New York Governor Andrew Cuomo “has no interest in running again,” his adviser said Monday as the embattled Democratic leader prepared to quit his 10-year job amid a sexual harassment scandal .
Cuomo should be replaced by Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, also a Democrat, who will become the state’s first female governor after a private swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday after midnight, the Associated Press reported.
The governor will deliver a farewell address on Monday at 12 p.m. ET on his last full day in office.
“Yes, my last day is tomorrow – Tuesday morning,” Cuomo said on Sunday during a briefing about Tropical Storm Henri.
Cuomo, 63, announced the shocking announcement of his resignation two weeks earlier after vigorously defending himself against numerous allegations of sexual harassment brought together in a damning report by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Cuomo initially appeared ready to hold on to his title following the publication of the damning report, despite many of his political allies, including President Joe Biden, urging him to resign. But in mid-August Cuomo said, “Given the circumstances, the best way to help now is to step aside and let the government go back to the government.”
His departure will not stop an impeachment investigation launched by New York state lawmakers, who resumed their investigation days after being heavily criticized for deciding to put it on hold following Cuomo’s resignation.
New York Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul speaks during a press conference the day after Governor Andrew Cuomo announced his resignation on August 11, 2021 at the New York State Capitol in Albany, New York.
Cindy Schultz | Reuters
At least five prosecutors across the state have also started investigations into possible crimes committed by Cuomo against some of his accusers. A Cuomo employee has filed a criminal complaint against him, the Albany County Sheriff’s office said earlier this month.
“Between [his time as Housing and Urban Development secretary], [New York attorney general and] Governor Andrew Cuomo has served nearly 25 years in the civil service. And the way he does it, it’s 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, “Cuomo’s close assistant Melissa DeRosa said in a statement to NBC News.
“He is looking forward to spending time with his family and has a lot of fishing. He is considering a number of options but has no interest in running again for office,” the DeRosa statement said.
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