Sen. Gillibrand, Gov. Cuomo and Sen. Schumer,( D-N.Y.) arrive for a meeting with senators in the Hart Senate Office Building in December 2012. Photo: Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand issued a joint statement on Friday calling on New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) to resign amid multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior.
The big picture: They are among the most powerful Democratic voices to call on Cuomo to step down.
- By Friday evening, all U.S. House Democrats from New York had called for the governor to resign or said if Cuomo cannot continue to govern effectively, he should leave office.
- New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli issued a statement on Twitter Friday, saying that the "allegations are extremely disturbing and are impairing Governor Cuomo’s ability to lead, as our state struggles through a crisis and must make critical budget decisions. It is time for him to step down."
- Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), chair of the House Intelligence Committee, also told CNN Friday that the New York governor should leave office.
- On Thursday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and 59 New York state lawmakers called for Cuomo to resign.
What they're saying: “Confronting and overcoming the Covid crisis requires sure and steady leadership." Schumer and Gillibrand said in the statement.
- "We commend the brave actions of the individuals who have come forward with serious allegations of abuse and misconduct."
- "Due to multiple, credible sexual harassment and misconduct allegations, it is clear that Governor Cuomo has lost the confidence of his governing partners and the people of New York. Governor Cuomo should resign.”
Cuomo reiterated earlier on Friday that he would not resign, despite the mounting calls.
- "I did not do what has been alleged. Period," Cuomo said, stressing that New Yorkers and politicians calling for his resignation should wait for the results of the independent investigation overseen by the New York attorney general.
Our thought bubble via Axios' Kadia Goba: The growing requests from lawmakers calling on the two-term governor to resign leaves Cuomo in an awkward position with local and federal officials who need to work together on the COVID relief rollout.
Go deeper: Cuomo facing more urgent legal problem