More than 55 NY Democratic Assembly members call on Cuomo to resign

A group of more than 55 Democratic members of the New York State Assembly signed a letter on Thursday calling on New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) to resign.

The letter cites the six women who have come forward to accuse Cuomo of unwanted sexual advances or groping, as well as the revelation that his administration altered data around COVID-19 nursing home deaths. 

State Attorney General Letitia James (D) is investigating both matters. 

“Attorney General James has made clear that her independent investigation will continue and has already made an excellent choice in those picked to lead the investigation,” the state lawmakers wrote. “We are fully confident in the Attorney General’s ability to investigate this matter thoroughly, and know that no change in state executive leadership will impede or affect her office’s important work.”

“In the meantime, the Governor needs to put the people of New York first. We have a Lieutenant Governor who can step in and lead for the remainder of the term, and this is what is best for New Yorkers in this critical time. It is time for Governor Cuomo to resign.”

The Times Union of Albany reported on Wednesday that an aide to the governor claims that he summoned her to the governor’s Executive Mansion and then groped her without consent. 

The aide, who was not named, is the sixth woman to accuse Cuomo of inappropriate or unwanted sexual advances.

Cuomo denied the allegation through a spokesperson.

“I have never done anything like this,” he said.

James is investigating the work environment in Albany under Cuomo, as well as the revelations that his administration doctored nursing home deaths so that President Trump’s administration would not be able to criticize his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Other powerful Democrats in New York have already called on Cuomo to resign, including state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D) and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D).

Cuomo has said he will not resign and will allow the investigations to play out.

The letter was signed by Assembly Members Thomas Abinanti (D-Westchester), Khaleel Anderson (D-Queens), Brian Barnwell (D-Queens), Harry Bronson (D-Rochester), Kenny Burgos (D-Bronx), Patrick Burke (D-Buffalo), Marianne Buttenschon (D-Utica), Robert Carroll (D-Brooklyn), Sarah Clark (D-Rochester), Catalina Cruz (D-Queens), Carmen De La Rosa (D-Manhattan), Simcha Eichenstein (D-Brooklyn), Harvey Epstein (D-Manhattan) and Nathalia Fernandez, as well as dozens of others.