Kathy Hochul held her first news conference since she learned she would soon become governor of the state of New York:
“While it was not expected, it is a day for which I am prepared.”
The current Lt. Governor made sure to distance herself from her current boss, governor Andrew Cuomo saying “I have not been close, physically or otherwise in terms of much time, and so I’ve been traveling the state and do not spend much time in his presence or in the presence of many in the state capitol.” On Tuesday, Cuomo announced he would resign in 14 days amidst a report from the New York Attorney General’s office that he alleges he sexually harassed 11 women.
Hochul denied knowing about any of the allegations against Cuomo until they become public. And in a jab against Cuomo she remarked, “At the end of my term, whenever it ends, no one will ever describe my administration as a toxic work environment.”
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) starts off strong in her 1st news conference as incoming Governor. She preferred to take office immediately, not wait 14 days, but that was Cuomo's call.
— Larry Sabato (@LarrySabato) August 11, 2021
Hochul said anyone who was named in the recent Attorney General’s report as having done anything unethical will not remain in her administration, “There will be turnover.”
Bottom line: @LtGovHochulNY came out swinging. Confident. Plain-spoken, clearly upset with Cuomo’s delayed transition and repeatedly separated herself from Cuomo while respecting she’s not yet in the job. Also took more q’s in person than Cuomo… ever did?
— Ed O’Keefe (@edokeefe) August 11, 2021
Hochul will make history in 13 days when she becomes the state’s first female governor. She says she has spoken with both Senators from New York, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Kirsten Gillibrand and that President Biden has called her, but they have yet to connect.
Watch Hochul’s remarks above.