Bill De Blasio, Other Gubernatorial Hopefuls Reaction to Andrew Cuomo's Resignation

Following New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's resignation announcement, several of his potential challengers have issued statements applauding his decision.

Cuomo announced his resignation on Tuesday, just one week after the New York Attorney General's office published a report stating that he sexually harassed several women while governor. Cuomo's resignation will be effective in two weeks, according to his announcement.

Kathy Hochul, the state's lieutenant governor, will serve as the governor for the remainder of Cuomo's term, which is set to end in 2023.

"The best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to government. And therefore that's what I'll do, because I work for you," Cuomo said during a press conference announcing his resignation.

Shortly after his announcement, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio posted a tweet which said, "Make no mistake, this is the result of survivors bravely telling their stories."

The tweet continued, "It was past time for Andrew Cuomo to resign and it's for the good of all New York."

While de Blasio has not officially announced if he will run for New York governor, when asked during a recent press conference about a potential gubernatorial bid, he said, "I have not ruled in or ruled out anything. I have not made any decisions about the future."

New York Attorney General Letitia James is another hopeful for New York governor and in a statement said, "Today closes a sad chapter for all of New York, but it's an important step towards justice."

James' statement continued, "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."

James has yet to publicly announce a bid for New York Governor but a recent New York Governor Democratic primary poll found her receiving the second most support for governor, trailing only to Cuomo.

New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams also issued a statement on Cuomo's resignation where he said, "Finally. Many of us have known for a long time that Andrew Cuomo was the wrong Governor for New York."

"Andrew Cuomo has only ever been interested in his own interests. As a result of his forced resignation, state government can now work solely for the people of New York. Resignation does not undo the harm he inflicted on the women who came forward. Nor does it reduce the damage that his abusive governance has long wrought. But it creates an opportunity to begin to recover," Williams said in the statement. "With Governor Cuomo removed from the position of power that he long abused, I am optimistic that we can restore that power to the people and repurpose it to renew New York."

Williams previously lost to Hochul in the 2018 primary for New York lieutenant governor and has yet to announce a bid for the state's governor. When asked by News10 New York about potentially running for governor, Williams said, "I haven't said I'm officially exploring a run. I'm actually focused on the general election for the public advocate's race."

New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli also issued a similar statement where he said that "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," the statement said.

While DiNapoli recently told WAMC in New York he plans to run for the state's comptroller again, a recent poll conducted by Slingshot Strategies found him receiving 3 percent of support from New York residents for the state's governor.