Top New York Democratic lawmakers, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, renewed calls for Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) to resign on Tuesday after an independent investigation concluded that he sexually harassed multiple women in violation of federal and state law.
Why it matters: Cuomo had previously urged those calling for his resignation to wait for the results of the investigation overseen by New York Attorney General Letitia James. But following the release of the investigation's report, he refused to step down, saying "the facts are much different than what has been portrayed."
- "I want you to know directly from me that I never touched anyone inappropriately or made inappropriate sexual advances. ... That is just not who I am, and that's not who I have ever been," he added.
What they're saying: Even before the sexual misconduct investigation had concluded, nearly every prominent New York Democrat had called for the governor to resign. Those calls continued on Tuesday:
- Schumer and Gillibrand: "Today's report from New York State Attorney General substantiated and corroborated the allegations of the brave women who came forward to share their stories — and we commend the women for doing so."
- "No elected official is above the law. The people of New York deserve better leadership in the governor’s office. We continue to believe that the Governor should resign," they said said in a joint statement.
- Reps. Tom Suozzi, Hakeem Jeffries and Gregory Meeks:"We commend the brave women who came forward and spoke truth to power."
- "The time has come for Governor Andrew Cuomo to do the right thing for the people of New York State and resign," the three Democrats from New York continued in a joint statement
- Mayor Bill de Blasio (D): "It is beyond clear that Andrew Cuomo is not fit to hold office and can no longer serve as Governor. He must resign, and if he continues to resist and attack the investigators who did their jobs, he should be impeached immediately."
Go deeper: New York AG finds Cuomo sexually harassed women, violated state and federal law