Fact Check: Could a Republican Replace Andrew Cuomo if he Leaves Office?

Amid allegations of covering up nursing home COVID deaths and three sexual harassment claims, many lawmakers have called for New York Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo to resign or be impeached.

The Claim

Some claimed that the calls for Cuomo to step down is a strategy to find a Republican replacement that will pardon former President Donald Trump, who faces tax and insurance fraud probes in New York.

The Facts

According to the New York State Constitution, Article IV, Section 5, the lieutenant governor is next in line if the governor is removed, impeached or resigns. The lieutenant governor will serve as governor for the remainder of the elected term.

The current lieutenant governor is Kathy Hochul, a Democrat.

If Cuomo were to resign, a scenario he recently dismissed, Hochul would serve as governor for the remainder of the term. She would be the first woman to hold the office in New York.

The next New York gubernatorial election for governor and lieutenant governor will take place in November 2022.

It is uncertain when the state's investigation into Trump will conclude or if the former president will be criminally charged.

Cuomo first was elected in 2010 and was re-elected twice. He has not confirmed if he will run for a fourth term.

While the election is more than a year away, some people have compiled shortlists of both Democratic and Republican challengers.

The lists include Republican Representatives Tom Reed, Lee Zeldin and Elise Stefanik and Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro.

On the Democratic side, there is Attorney General Letitia James, Hochul, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Westchester County Senator Alessandra Biaggi.

The Ruling

False.

If Cuomo were to resign or be impeached, Lieutenant Governor Hochul would take over as governor. She is a Democrat.

A Republican could become governor if he or she wins the next gubernatorial election in 2022.