Amid calls for his resignation and possible impeachment as allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior grow, Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday dismissed a question about running for a fourth term next year.
"Today is not a day for politics. I'm focused on my job," Cuomo said on the call.
Cuomo has given every indication in recent months he will seek a fourth term and has raised money to do so. A victory in 2022 would surpass his late father's time in office.
But Cuomo and his administration have been engulfed in multiple crises in recent weeks. In addition to the sexual harassment allegations, Cuomo is also under scrutiny for the under reporting of where nursing home and long-term care facility residents died during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Attorney General Letitia James's office this week appointed investigators to review the harassment allegations that have been leveled against the governor.
"You don't know any facts, you know allegations," Cuomo said. "Let's operate on facts. We have an investigation, qualified investigators."
Democratic leaders in the state Senate have called for Cuomo to resign, saying the problems Cuomo is facing have created a distraction. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie stopped short of doing so, but said this week Cuomo should consider whether he can remain in office.
A sixth woman has reportedly complained of harassing behavior by the governor in an incident that occurred last year at the Executive Mansion in Albany, according to the Times Union.
Cuomo in the call on Tuesday afternoon said he was unaware of the latest claim.
"I'm not aware of any other claim," Cuomo said. "As I said last week, I never touched anyone inappropriately"
Cuomo added, "No one told me at the time I made them feel uncomfortable."