Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Democratic leader of New York’s Senate has called for New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s resignation amid sexual harassment allegations against him. 

Cousins said in a statement, “Every day there is another account that is drawing away from the business of government.  New York is still in the midst of this pandemic and is still facing the societal, health and economic impacts of it. We need to govern without daily distraction. For the good of the state, Governor Cuomo must resign.”

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Democrat Carl Heastie, Assembly Speaker said in a statement, “it is time for the Governor to seriously consider whether he can effectively meet the needs of the people of New York,” reported Associated Press. She stopped short of echoing Stewart’s exact sentiments. 

The statement comes after Cuomo addressed the first public press conference since the allegations surfaced. The New York Governor responded to calls for his resignation by saying it would be “anti-democratic” if he steps down. 

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“They don’t override the people’s will, they don’t get to override elections. I was elected by the people of New York state. I wasn’t elected by politicians,” said Cuomo when he was asked about his own party members asking him to step down from his post.

He further said he prioritizes New York successfully emerging out of the pandemic. Within three weeks, the state must pass a budget in addition to administering 15 million more COVID-19 vaccines.

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“I’m not going to be distracted because there is too much to do for the people,” he said. 

While the New York state attorney general is investigating Cuomo’s case, the governor’s workplace behaviour has been under major scrutiny. 

According to recent media reports, a total of five former aides of Cuomo’s administration have accused him of sexual misconduct in the office.