New York is getting its first female governor
The state of New York will see its first female governor when current Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul gets sworn in on Aug. 24. Hochul will take over the state’s highest elected office from Governor Andrew Cuomo who announced on Aug. 10 that his resignation would go into effect in two weeks.
Cuomo stepped down after the state’s attorney general released a report finding that the governor had sexually harassed 11 women. According to New York state law, the lieutenant governor steps in to become the person in charge if a governor resigns.
Hochul became lieutenant governor in 2015 as Cuomo’s running mate. She also served as the representative of New York’s 26th Congressional district in the House of Representatives from 2011 to 2013, according to CBS News. She served on the House Homeland Security Committee and the House Armed Services Committee during her time in Washington, D.C.
Hochul didn’t comment often during the state attorney general’s investigation involving Gov. Cuomo’s alleged sexual harassment against his accusers. However, following the release of the report, Hochul posted an official statement on Twitter supporting the women who spoke out against Gov. Cuomo.
“Sexual harassment is unacceptable in any workplace, and certainly not in public service,” Hochul tweeted. “No one is above the law.”
Sexual harassment is unacceptable in any workplace, and certainly not in public service.
The AG’s investigation has documented repulsive & unlawful behavior by the Governor towards multiple women. I believe these brave women & admire their courage coming forward. 1/2
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) August 3, 2021
Following Cuomo’s announcement of his pending resignation, Hochul assured the citizens of New York she is ready to lead and take her place as the next governor.
“As someone who has served at all levels of government and is next in the line of succession, I am prepared to lead as New York State’s 57th Governor,” she tweeted on Aug. 10 shortly after Cuomo’s statement.
I agree with Governor Cuomo's decision to step down. It is the right thing to do and in the best interest of New Yorkers.
As someone who has served at all levels of government and is next in the line of succession, I am prepared to lead as New York State’s 57th Governor.
— Kathy Hochul (@LtGovHochulNY) August 10, 2021
Hochul is a lifelong New York resident, born in Buffalo. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University and her law degree from Catholic University. Hochul also served 14 years on the local town council and became the clerk of Erie County before winning a special election to the House of Representatives.
Hochul is only the fourth female lieutenant governor to serve the state of New York. Now, she will make history as the first woman to lead the state.
In another historic first, when Hochul takes over as governor, two women will have New York’s top leadership positions. New York Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins will temporarily step in as the lieutenant governor until the new governor names a permanent replacement.
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