Live Updates: NY Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul Delivers First Public Remarks Since Cuomo's Resignation
New York Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul held a press conference in Albany on Wednesday afternoon, her first public remarks since Governor Andrew Cuomo announced his resignation on Tuesday.
Hochul, 62, will become New York's 57th governor and the state's first female governor when Cuomo officially steps down in 13 days after a state attorney general report concluded he sexually harassed 11 women. She said during the press conference that Cuomo's resignation was "appropriate" and in the "best interest" for New York.
The soon-to-be governor also distanced her future administration from the reputation now associated with Cuomo's tenure. Hochul stated it should be "pretty clear" she and Cuomo weren't close, "physically or otherwise," and she was not previously aware of the sexual harassment allegations against Cuomo in the state attorney general's report.
"No one will ever describe my administration as a toxic work environment," she said.
Hochul promised that no person "named as doing anything unethical" in the state attorney general report would "remain in my administration," and affirmed that she was ready to assume Cuomo's post.
"I know the job. I fought for the same policies. That's why I'm more prepared that anyone could possibly be for this position," she added.
Check back with Newsweek for more updates.
Hochul Promises 'No One Named as Doing Anything Unethical' in AG Report Will Remain in Adminstration
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul promised during a press conference Wednesday that no person "who was named as doing anything unethical" in the state attorney general report on sexual harassment "will remain in my administration."
She said there would be "turnover" under her governance and reiterated that she was not aware of or complicit in fostering the "toxic" workplace described in the report.
However, she promised to continue fighting for the types of policies "many people have supported" during the Cuomo administration, such as raising the minimum wage, providing paid family leave and supporting clean energy.
"Those policies will continue and even be more enhanced. But with respect to the bigger environment and the reputation of the current administration, I think it's pretty clear and it's no secret that [Cuomo and I] have not been close and I have not been associated with that," Hochul said.
"I know the job. I fought for the same policies. That's why I'm more prepared that anyone could possibly be for this position," she added.
Kathy Hochul Says Two-Week Waiting Period Before Taking Office 'Not What I Asked For'
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul said Wednesday that the two-week delay before she replaces Andrew Cuomo as New York's governor was "not what I asked for."
However, she affirmed that she's "looking forward to a smooth transition" to her incoming administration.
"He spoke to me about wanting make sure that the transition to continuity is important, and that I have an opportunity to meet with state cabinet officials, other people as well. So, they view it as necessary," she said.
"I'm prepared to take office as any lieutenant governor is, from the very first hour you're sworn in as lieutenant governor," she added.
New Lieutenant Governor Assignment Expected Within Next Couple Weeks
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul said during a press conference Wednesday that she expects to name a new lieutenant governor for New York within the next two weeks.
When asked by a reporter if she's considering candidates from downstate New York, Hochul replied that she's "cognizant of the need for diversity and an inclusive ticket."
"I'm going to name someone that I believe the state will be familiar with and we're very proud of, but the process is still in its early stages," she said.
'No One Will Ever Describe My Administration as a Toxic Work Environment,' Hochul Says
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul distanced her future administration as governor from the reputation now associated with Gov. Andrew Cuomo's rule during a press conference Wednesday.
Hochul stated it should be "pretty clear" she and Cuomo weren't close, "physically or otherwise," and she was not previously aware of the sexual harassment allegations against Cuomo in the state attorney general's report.
She promised that at the end of her tenure as governor, "no one will ever describe my administration as a toxic work environment."
Cuomo Pledged Full Support for Smooth Transition, Hochul Says
New York Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul said during a press conference Wednesday that outgoing Gov. Andrew Cuomo pledged his support for a smooth transition to her taking the governor post.
Hochul said she would use the next 13 days before taking office to continue to develop her vision for the state, meet with Cabinet officials and others in consideration for roles in her administration, as well as travel the state to meet with New Yorkers.
"I will take advantage of that time," she said.
"People will soon learn that my style is to listen first and then take decisive action," she added.
She added that Cuomo's resignation was "appropriate" and in the "best interest" for New York.
