Local officials are speaking out in the wake of Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigining from office after a bombshell report from New York state Attorney General Letitia James concluded that Cuomo "sexually harassed multiple women" and violated federal and state law.

Cuomo's resignation is effective in 14 days.

New York State Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul:

"I agree with Governor Cuomo's decision to step down. It is the right thing to do and in the best interest of New Yorkers. As someone who has served at all levels of government and is next in the line of succession, I am prepared to lead as New York State’s 57th Governor."

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins:

“Today is a somber day for the state of New York, but one that demonstrates our ability to build a more accountable system of government. Governor Cuomo’s resignation opens the door to a restorative future. We all owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the courageous women who came forward and helped pave the way for safer and more inclusive work spaces."

"Working with Governor Kathy Hochul, the first woman Governor of New York State, we will continue to address the COVID-19 pandemic, rebuild our economy and face our challenges standing together. Governor Hochul is a dedicated leader, and united, we will get the people’s work done."

Attorney General Letitia James:

"Today closes a sad chapter for all of New York, but it’s an important step towards justice. I thank Governor Cuomo for his contributions to our state. The ascension of our Lieutenant Governor, Kathy Hochul, will help New York enter a new day. We must continue to build on the progress already made and improve the lives of New Yorkers in every corner of the state. I know our state is in good hands with Lieutenant Governor Hochul at the helm, and I look forward to continuing to work with her."

Speaker Carl Heastie:

"This has been a tragic chapter in our state's history. Governor Cuomo's resignation is the right decision. The brave women who stepped forward were heard. Everyone deserves to work in a harassment free environment. I have spoken with Lieutenant Governor Hochul and I look forward to working with her."

NY GOP Chairman Nick Langworthy: 

"New Yorkers can breathe a collective sigh of relief that Andrew Cuomo will no longer be able to wield the immense power of the governor’s office to commit his corruption and abuse, but make no mistake, this resignation is simply an attempt to avoid real accountability for his numerous crimes. Thousands of lives have been destroyed by Andrew Cuomo and the legislature must continue to move forward with impeachment to ensure he can never run for office again. Whether it was his numerous pay-to-play and corruption scandals, his deadly nursing home coverup or his $5 million book deal, the New York Republican Party has traveled across the state to expose the real Andrew Cuomo, even when it was a lonely solo mission. We will not rest until the entire stench of the Cuomo Administration is wiped clean from state government and we usher in a new era of integrity and common sense under a Republican governor in 2022."

Senator Chuck Schumer:

"First, I want to commend the brave women who stepped forward and courageously told their stories. There is no place for sexual harassment, and today’s announcement by Governor Cuomo to resign was the right decision for the good of the people of New York. I have full confidence that Lt Governor Hochul will establish a professional and capable administration. I have spoken with Lt Governor Hochul and look forward to working together to help the people of New York."

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand:

"First and foremost, I want to thank the incredibly courageous women who came forward and shared their stories. They are the true public servants here. New York now has a chance to move forward and build a new culture of leadership. Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul is an exceptional public servant and will be an excellent governor. I look forward to working together to continue serving the people of our great state."

Senator Rob Ortt:

"Today marks one small step toward restoring honor, decency, and accountability to New York State government. I hope today also brings some measure of justice to the brave women who had the courage to come forward against a powerful and vindictive political figure.

"Over the past year, Andrew Cuomo's credibility completely fell apart. Now, following his overdue resignation, it will never be repaired. The Governor's pervasive harassment and coverups cast a dark cloud over our State Capitol and took us away from the important work facing this state.

"Andrew Cuomo broke the law, lied about it, and shamelessly smeared the women who came forward. His resignation is welcome, but it stops short of the justice his victims and the people of New York deserve. The FBI, the State Attorney General, and other proper authorities must also be allowed to continue their work investigating all of the possible crimes related to our state's nursing homes crisis and the Governor's questionable book deal. The Legislature must examine the Cuomo administration's many failings in public forums as soon as possible so that these abuses of power will never happen under another administration.

"We must also acknowledge the fact that the Democrats in the Legislature failed to hold Andrew Cuomo or his administration accountable, despite our repeated calls to do so.

"Well after the numerous credible allegations were made against Andrew Cuomo, Democrats in both the Senate and Assembly stood by him, normalizing his behavior and enabling him to cling to power. I hope those in the Legislature - and other powerful figures around the state - reflect on their own actions in response to Andrew Cuomo's disturbing behavior. The vocal support and the deafening silence of many helped keep Andrew Cuomo in power far longer than he deserved.

"In 14 days we will have our first female Governor. I'd like to congratulate Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, a fellow Western New Yorker, on becoming the first woman to assume leadership of this state. My fellow Senators and I look forward to working with Governor Hochul as we continue to tackle the issues of rising crime, our state's struggling economy, and the resurgence of the COVID-19 virus."

Senator Ed Rath:

“This afternoon's resignation from Governor Cuomo is a welcomed and necessary relief for those New Yorkers he has harmed and those who continue to look to Albany for leadership amid this pandemic. Harassment has no place in our society, especially at the upper levels of state government.

I continue to call on the State Legislature to ensure that other investigations into Governor Cuomo's malfeasance remain ongoing. New Yorkers who lost loved ones in nursing homes deserve answers. While the Governor has already written his book, let us not write off other avenues where he has betrayed his oath of office. If ongoing investigations by the State Assembly reveal further misdeeds, impeachment must remain a viable option. The State Legislature must uphold its duty to hold Governor Cuomo accountable.

I look forward to working with Lieutenant Governor Hochul in her new capacity as the first female Governor in New York State history. As a fellow Western New Yorker, I hope she strives to help New York heal and elevates the voices of upstate New Yorkers long maligned and ignored by downstate leaders. Having served with her at several levels of government, I am confident that her integrity is unwavering. Together, we will continue to navigate the challenges facing all New Yorkers.”

Congressman Brian Higgins:

“From her earliest days as a local official to her time as my colleague in Congress and her service as Lieutenant Governor, Kathy Hochul’s sole priority has always been the people. Kathy is a public servant of integrity who works hard to listen to and deliver for the communities she represents. She will be an excellent Governor and will make New Yorkers proud.”

Congressman Chris Jacobs:

“Andrew Cuomo's resignation is long overdue, and needed to move our state government past the multiple scandals he and his staff inflicted on the citizens of New York. Despite his resignation, criminal investigations of the Cuomo administration must continue to ensure justice is served.”

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown:

“Today is a sad day for the State of New York. Governor Andrew Cuomo has done the right thing and our State will move forward under the leadership of my friend and colleague, Buffalo resident, Lieutenant Governor, Kathy Hochul. I have no doubt that our state’s first female governor will serve us well and make us proud.”

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz:

“With today’s announcement New York State has turned the page and will be beginning a new chapter with Kathy Hochul as our 57th governor and the first female governor of our great state. I have known Kathy for decades, having worked with her closely on numerous issues, and I can confirm that she has the work ethic, determination, and skill set to not only succeed in the job but to take the Empire State to new heights,” Poloncarz said. “There are many challenges remaining, both in Erie County and statewide, as we continue the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and focus on the recovery and renewal of our economy and communities. Kathy has been involved, active and engaged in these efforts throughout and I now look forward to continuing to work with incoming Governor Hochul, serving our constituents and creating the best New York State possible.”​

Erie County Comptroller Stefan Mychajiw:

"Governor Cuomo callously and calculatingly called himself a victim amidst investigations into his book deal and sexual harassment. His victims are thousands of seniors that needlessly died when he sent the elderly stricken with COVID into nursing homes around healthy patients. His victims are the women he preyed on and sexually harassed. Cuomo’s victims are New York State taxpayers that apparently and illegally paid for staff on government time so he could take in millions from a book deal. Despite his disgraceful exit, the dark days of Andrew Cuomo destroying our beloved state are over. Unfortunately for him, the criminal investigation into his book deal and having taxpayer funded employees working on it are far from over. Good. He’s not the only politician that should have emails, text, phone calls and swipe cards checked to see if government employees worked on taxpayers’ time to personally profit from a book deal."

Erie County Clerk Michael Kearns:

“On one hand, today is a very somber day for all of New York State and on the other, it is yet another momentous first for this great State. I want to congratulate Erie County’s very own Kathy Hochul on her historic next step as the first female Governor of New York State.

“I know from working with Lt. Governor Hochul in Albany that her past experiences at all levels of government, including as Erie County Clerk, have prepared her well in her new role to provide the leadership and healing our state so desperately needs.

“I look forward to working with Governor Hochul on items of mutual concern in order to benefit the residents of Erie County, as well as all of New York State.”

Erie County Board of Elections Commissioner, Democratic Office, Jeremy Zellner: 

"Governor Cuomo acknowledged the governmental and political realities facing him in the aftermath of the Attorney General’s report: As I said days ago, he simply can no longer lead, and his resignation is the right thing to do.

Our fellow New Yorkers will come to know what we in Western New York have known for a long time: Kathy Hochul is a consummate public servant and leader who will devote herself to meeting the many challenges we face, from Covid to our economy.

We stand ready to support @KathyHochul , with great confidence in her ability to unite New Yorkers and keep us moving forward and build back NY better."

Assemblymember Monica Wallace:

“I appreciate the Governor’s decision to put the good of the State of New York ahead of his own personal interests and resign. When these allegations first emerged, I called on the Governor to step aside for the good of the state and to allow the Lieutenant Governor to take his place. We have an eminently qualified Lieutenant Governor, who I’m confident will be able to hit the ground running. This is an historic moment as we will soon have our first ever woman Governor in Kathy Hochul. Additionally, she will be the first Western New Yorker to serve as Governor in more than a century.

“Our state is at a critical moment. We are still in a pandemic, we have children who need to get back to school, tenants and small landlords who need rent relief, and struggling small businesses. All of these issues require our full attention. I look forward to working with soon-to-be Governor Hochul on the many challenges facing New York.”

Assemblymember Karen McMahon:

“Today, Governor Cuomo did the appropriate thing by announcing his resignation which will take effect in 14 days. I look forward to the conclusion of this disturbing chapter and a return to focusing on the multiple challenges facing New York State, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“I have the utmost respect for and confidence in Kathy Hochul and I will be doing all I can to assist her in her transition to the Governorship. Kathy has been a longtime advocate for the people of New York and I know of no one better prepared to be the 57th Chief Executive and first woman Governor of New York State.”

Assemblymember Pat Burke:

"Andrew Cuomo's resignation was the necessary step to restore trust between New Yorkers and their government. It's a sad day to see another Governor's career end in scandal but it's also a historic day as we welcome New York's first female Governor, Kathy Hochul! Let's Go Buffalo! Let's Go New York!"

Assemblymember Bill Conrad: 

"This resignation allows us to get back to the work that matters most to New Yorkers, and I am eager to support a constructive partnership between the Legislature and our next Executive, Western New York’s own, Kathy Hochul. Incoming Gov. Hochul has served at every level of government and is an experienced and capable leader. She represents a refocusing of the State’s priorities, most notably our collective recovery from COVID-19. I wouldn’t call Andrew Cuomo’s announcement reason for celebration. Rather, it was the unfortunate due outcome of an irreparably broken trust."

Assemblymember Steve Hawley:

“Now that the governor has done the right thing and resigned, we can focus on bettering the lives of the working people of this state once again. This is the third high ranking official that has stepped down due to improper conduct during my tenure, and I hope we can come together and work to assure it’s the last and that conduct like that of Andrew Cuomo’s is never left unchecked. I do want to congratulate Kathy Hochul, who will be our next Governor in two weeks, and hope we can work together in bipartisan fashion to do more for the people of this state than ever before.”

Senator George Borrello:

"After months of scandal, Governor Cuomo finally made the right decision today following months of denial and stonewalling. New Yorkers can breathe a sigh of relief and get back to the important task of recovering from the damage caused by the pandemic and bad policies from this governor. Despite his apologies, we won’t forget or forgive team Cuomo’s behind-the-scenes attempts to discredit and undermine the reputations of the 11 courageous women who had the courage to come forward. We cannot and will not forget them or what they endured. We also won’t forget the countless nursing home residents – our parents, grandparents and friends – who lost their lives to his unconscionable policies. I look forward to working with Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul to make a better and safer state for everyone."

Senator Sean Ryan: 

“This has been a difficult time for our state. When women first came forward alleging inappropriate behavior by the Governor, I joined my colleagues in the Senate Majority in demanding an investigation which would allow all the facts to come to light. When the Attorney General released her report last week, it painted a deeply disturbing picture, and I called upon the Governor to step down. With the behavior outlined in the Attorney General’s report, it is clear the Governor violated his oath of office, and he violated the public trust.

The Governor’s announcement today was a welcome – and necessary – step that will allow our government to begin to recover. It demonstrates that no amount of political influence provides immunity to the consequences of sexual harassment. The women who came forward to tell their stories should be commended. After being victimized, they were repeatedly disrespected by the Governor and his inner circle in attempts to discredit them. As New Yorkers, we should all be grateful to them for their brave actions in the face of what we now know they had to endure.

It is time for our state to move forward. In 14 days, Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul will become our state’s 57th governor, and the first woman to serve as governor of New York. She has often noted that New York is the birthplace of the women's rights movement. In just a few days, that ever-evolving historic journey will continue. I have known Kathy Hochul for close to 20 years, and I’ve worked closely with her to ensure Western New York is well-represented in Albany. She is deeply respected by the Western New York delegation, as well as communities across the state. There is no doubt that she has an incredible work ethic, and knows every corner of our state. As she prepares to take office, I join my fellow New Yorkers in wishing her all the best. She needs our support during this difficult moment. I know she is ready to lead, and deliver for the people of New York. I will proudly stand with Governor Hochul as we continue our economic recovery, and work to finally put an end to the pandemic.”

Former Mayor of Niagara Falls Paul Dyster: 

Senator Tim Kennedy: 

Senator Patrick Gallivan: 

Buffalo Mayoral Candidate India Walton: 

Rochester City Councilman and presumptive mayor-elect Malik Evans:

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce president and former Lieutenant Governor Bob Duffy:

Assemblymember Harry Bronson:

Assemblymember Marjorie Byrnes:

"As a member of the Assembly Judiciary Committee, I have been unable to speak on the ongoing investigation into Gov. Cuomo as freely as, perhaps, I would have liked. However, now that Gov. Cuomo has offered his resignation, I can say that I believe this was inevitable and will help our state move forward from this tumultuous time. There are serious challenges ahead of us, and I welcome the opportunity to work more closely with our new governor, Kathy Hochul – our state’s first woman to hold this office."

Assemblymember Josh Jensen:

Assemblymember Sarah Clark:

"Today’s announcement from Governor Cuomo is welcome and long overdue; however, make no mistake, this is merely a first step towards accountability. Investigations continue at the local, state, and federal level into the Governor’s actions on various fronts. And as we await next steps with the Assembly Judiciary investigation, impeachment should still seriously be considered given the severity of all the charges facing him. 

There is also much long-term work to be done to ensure this never happens again in the Executive Chamber, or any other workplace. I stand ready with my colleagues in the state legislature to ensure safe, harassment-free work spaces for all. To the courageous survivors who risked so much to share your stories, thank you for your bravery. You are the catalyst of change we needed, and I could not be more grateful.

After months of scandal surrounding the Governor's actions that have distracted us all from building back better in this pandemic, we can embark on a new era of governance in 14 days. In the state legislature, our focus must shift back from scandals to the critical work to be done on behalf of struggling New Yorkers statewide. I have every confidence in our recovery under the leadership of soon-to-be Governor Kathy Hochul.  I've worked with the Lieutenant Governor for many years, she is beyond prepared for this role, and I’m ready to support her in this historic moment. I look forward to rolling up our sleeves and working together on behalf of all New Yorkers."

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello:

“Andrew Cuomo’s decision to step down is the right thing to do given the seriousness of the findings in the Attorney General’s report. The Governor has lost the confidence of the people of the State of New York and of his partners in government. This allows our state to move forward.

I am grateful for the courageous women who came forward to expose this behavior and to ensure that a person in a position of extraordinary power was held accountable.

I have known Lt. Governor Hochul for a decade and have full faith and confidence in her ability to lead our state forward. Once sworn in, she will become the first woman to serve as Governor, the highest office in New York State. Lt. Governor Hochul is a thoughtful leader who knows the issues that impact upstate New York well. I look forward to working with her on behalf of Monroe County’s residents.”

Congressmember Joe Morelle:

“It is in the best interest of all New Yorkers that the Governor has resigned. These are unprecedented times and it is incumbent on all of us to remain united in our commitment to tackling the challenges we face and moving New York State forward.

“I look forward to working alongside Governor Kathy Hochul to deliver the support families need and deserve as we continue to recover from the pandemic.”

Senator Samra Brouk:

Senator Jeremy Cooney:

"This is a moment of change. Survivors were not only believed, but there were direct consequences for Governor Cuomo’s abuse of power. I’m grateful for the courageous women who came forward. This sets a new precedence. No one, not even the Governor of New York, can use his office and privilege to avoid the consequences of their abusive actions. Men holding elected offices, such as myself, must be a vocal part of the conversation to amplify and support women and survivors. Sexual harassment is a crime. There is no gray area, no ambiguity, on what is appropriate versus what is a violation of boundaries. New York deserves better. I look forward to working with incoming Governor Kathy Hochul, the first woman governor of New York, to serve Rochesterians and all New Yorkers."

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli:

"The Governor has done the right thing. New York is facing many challenges as we battle the ongoing impact of COVID-19. My team and I stand ready to assist incoming Governor Hochul as we move the state forward."

Alliance for Quality Education:

"Andrew Cuomo was unfit to lead New York. AQE was one of the first organizations to call for his resignation as his cover-up of nursing home COVID deaths came to light earlier this year. We hope that today, the women who survived his sexual harassment and all those affected by his bullying and corrupt legacy at last feel some sense of justice," said Zakiyah Ansari, Advocacy Director, Alliance for Quality Education.

"Cuomo’s reputation for ‘leadership’ sprang from his entitlement to the power he held over others, not a commitment to public service. Over the past year in particular, the true cost of Cuomo’s neglect of the needs of New Yorkers reached a crisis point, as our communities faced challenges that few others have ever had to confront. Rather than picking up the heavy responsibility, Cuomo stuck to his standard playbook of lies, obfuscation, and political gamesmanship. He left Black, Brown, poor and immigrant communities to bear the cost of his mistakes.

"AQE’s two decades of work advocating for equity in public education, and the ways that it brought us into conflict with Andrew Cuomo as governor of New York, has never been about politics. The state of public education during Andrew Cuomo’s time as governor is just one example of how long and hard he has worked to silence all those who fight for greater equity. We do not speak for a special interest, but work to elevate the voices and stories in our communities of those most impacted by educational racism.

"In the struggle for justice, there are no neutral parties. Later this month, Kathy Hochul will step up to become the first woman to govern New York. We welcome new leadership, but we also demand Hochul turn a page on the corruption and negligence of the Cuomo administration, and govern for the people of New York. As lieutenant governor, we remember Hochul’s participation in pushing austerity policies and harmful rhetoric that defined Cuomo’s time in office. We will continue to call out all elected leaders who abuse their power and that do not prioritize serving the needs of New Yorkers and our communities."

Susan Lerner, executive director of Common Cause/NY:

"We are relieved that Governor Cuomo is resigning, as Common Cause/NY and so many others demanded. However, his resignation should take place immediately. New Yorkers require a functioning government, not a leadership void created by a grace period ​for misconduct."

Seneca Nation President Matthew Pagels:

"The imminent change of leadership in Albany is good news for all New Yorkers, particularly members of sovereign Native Nations located within the state’s borders who have for too long been overlooked and mistreated by the current administration. Today’s announcement was not precipitated by politics, but by the actions of one individual, his abuse of power and the bravery of those who had the strength and courage to stand up for themselves. I hope this signals the end of the well-known and well-documented bully tactics that have been deployed at the state Capitol throughout his term.

It is well past time for a new occupant who can bring true leadership to the Governor’s office, making history in the process. The Seneca Nation looks forward to forging a relationship built on respect, understanding and open dialogue with Governor Kathy Hochul when she takes office later this month."

New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher:

"New York Farm Bureau looks forward to continue working with soon-to-be Governor Kathy Hochul as she seeks to provide stability to the governor's office and address critical matters facing our state. She is a longtime friend to the state’s farming community and its people. Her work in Congress and as lieutenant governor brought her close to the issues facing agriculture, and she has always been open to listening to our concerns, visiting our farms, and meeting with our members at the annual New York Farm Bureau Taste of NY Reception in Albany. Lt. Gov Hochul recognizes that New York agriculture is vital to our state’s economy, local food supply, and expanding access to healthy food for all New Yorkers."

Citizen Action Co-Executive Director Jess Wisneski:

"New Yorkers are desperately in need of a state government that puts them before Andrew Cuomo’s personal and political interests. Finally, Andrew Cuomo has resigned and we can do that. 

"Soon, Lt. Governor Hochul will make history as our state’s first woman governor. We urge her to make it her first priority to remove all those who allowed the governor’s abhorrent behavior to persist. 

"The fight to eliminate toxic and discriminatory behavior does not begin or end with the executive chamber. Sadly, the details of the Attorney General’s investigation is indicative of a pervasive problem that impacts women from all walks of life. It is the duty of our government to help bring us closer to a future where women are believed, protected and supported.

"New York is at a crossroads. We must choose to recognize the inherent human dignity of every person. We must hold housing, food, and healthcare as human rights. We must remove the influence of big money in our political system. Until the next election, all eyes will be on our state’s leaders as they make the choice to continue Andrew Cuomo’s legacy of protecting the wealthy and well-connected, or to finally put everyday New Yorkers first."