Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul To Become New York’s First Female Governor After Cuomo Announces Resignation; ‘I Am Prepared To Lead’ – CBS New York

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – With New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo‘s announcement that he’s stepping down in 14 days forward of doable impeachment over sexual harassment allegations, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul will turn out to be the state’s first feminine governor.

“I agree with Governor Cuomo’s choice to step down. It’s the proper factor to do and in the perfect curiosity of New Yorkers,” Hochul wrote on Twitter. “As somebody who has served in any respect ranges of presidency and is subsequent within the line of succession, I’m ready to guide as New York State’s 57th governor.”

READ MORE: Lawmakers Respond To Cuomo’s Resignation, Republicans Hope It Restores ‘Honor, Decency, And Accountability To New York State Government’

I agree with Governor Cuomo’s choice to step down. It’s the proper factor to do and in the perfect curiosity of New Yorkers.

As somebody who has served in any respect ranges of presidency and is subsequent within the line of succession, I’m ready to guide as New York State’s 57th Governor.

— Kathy Hochul (@LtGovHochulNY) August 10, 2021

As CBS2’s Alice Gainer studies, Hochul has spent much of the last nearly seven years on the road, visiting every of the state’s 62 counties yearly, principally working in Cuomo’s shadow throughout her two phrases in workplace.

“She wished to listen to from individuals. She wished to listen to  from New Yorkers, what they wished from their authorities,” stated Christine Quinn, former speaker of the New York Metropolis Council.

Quinn is aware of a factor or two about firsts. She was the primary feminine and first overtly homosexual speaker of the New York Metropolis Council.

“You recognize, if you’re a primary, to be trustworthy, it comes with nice honor and it’s humbling, however it comes with an additional duty,” she stated.

Quinn, who’s at present government committee chair of the New York State Democratic Committee, has labored with Hochul on points surrounding rape and sexual assault on campuses and homelessness.

When as about Hochul’s agenda as governor, Quinn stated, “It’s going to be far more participatory. Actually herald exterior enter and outdoors specialists greater than the Cuomo administration did, which tended to be a little bit bit walled off.”

A Buffalo native, Hochul served on the Hamburg city board after which as Erie county clerk. She was elected to Congress, profitable a 2011 particular election, representing a conservative Western New York district, however she misplaced a bid for reelection a 12 months later.

Not everyone seems to be throwing their help behind Hochul.

Republican Congressman Lee Zeldin thinks she empowered Cuomo’s conduct and “has been silent scandal after scandal.”

However Hochul was not current throughout Cuomo’s each day coronavirus briefings, was not talked about in his pandemic memoir, and isn’t thought-about a part of his internal circle.

WEB EXTRA: Read The AG’s Report | Exhibits 1 | Exhibits 2 | Exhibits 3 | Cuomo’s Response

Hochul’s title was additionally not talked about in the investigative report by state Attorney General Letitia James which detailed efforts by Cuomo’s workers to discredit a few of his accusers.

Nobody is above the legislation. Beneath the New York Structure, the Meeting will now decide the following steps.

As a result of Lieutenant Governors stand subsequent within the line of succession, it might not be acceptable to remark additional on the method at this second. 2/2

— Kathy Hochul (@LtGovHochulNY) August 3, 2021

READ MORE: Gov. Andrew Cuomo Stepping Down Amid Calls For Impeachment Over Sexual Harassment Scandal

In a collection of tweets final week, Hochul stated partially she believed the ladies and that “The AG’s investigation has documented repulsive & illegal conduct by the governor in the direction of a number of girls.”

However she stopped wanting calling for his resignation as a result of she’s “subsequent in line of succession, it might not be acceptable to remark additional on the method at this second.”

“I believe it’s noteworthy that the primary girl governor is being introduced in to scrub up a multitude made by a person,” Quinn stated.

Hochul’s communications director posted photos final week as she rode the subway on her approach to an occasion in Harlem carrying a baseball cap that learn “combat like a lady.”

Noticed: @LtGovHochulNY determined that the quickest approach to get to Harlem throughout rush hour to welcome the Nationwide Group of Black Elected Legislative Girls was to take the subway. pic.twitter.com/HN1pZd0nWm

— Bryan Lesswing (@BryanLesswing) August 5, 2021

“Regardless that jokes have been made about this, could possibly be the following governor that we’re addressing at present. She was determined and didn’t make any point out of something. She was a consummate skilled,” stated Queens Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman.

Hyndman invited Hochul to talk on the occasion for the Nationwide Group of Black Elected Legislative Girls previous to the discharge of the AG’s report.

Thanks MOA Alicia Hyndman for inviting me to welcome Nat’l Org of Black Elected Legislative Girls to Harlem.

I used to be impressed as a younger staffer by Rep. Shirley Chisholm, they’re inspiring the following technology of girls leaders.

We want their robust voices on the desk. pic.twitter.com/DDkl5AtC92

— Kathy Hochul (@LtGovHochulNY) August 5, 2021

Hyndman says Hochul spoke of certainly one of her feminine inspirations.

“Talked about her historical past, her background, her that means to Shirley Chisolm, former congresswoman, an icon in American politics,” she stated.

Outdoors of that occasion, Hochul has been canceling public appearances.

“She was in Queens lately. A few my colleagues met along with her. So she has undoubtedly made an impression I imagine throughout the state of New York,” Hyndman stated.

Since Cuomo’s announcement Tuesday, Hochul has been getting proper to work, calling Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, Rev. Al Sharpton and different leaders.

She has not publicly expressed whether or not she would pursue a full time period in 2022.

Hochul has a bachelor’s diploma from Syracuse College and a legislation diploma from Catholic College, however left a profession in legislation for public service.

MORE NEWS: New Yorkers React To Cuomo’s Resignation

She is married with two youngsters.