At least 86 legislators in the New York Assembly support starting the impeachment process for Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo after Attorney General Letitia James’ report found that he sexually harassed 11 women.
Over half — 86 of the 150 members — either made comments or told the Associated Press (AP) that they would back an impeachment trial if Cuomo didn’t resign.
Only a simple majority is required to authorize the impeachment process in the N.Y. Assembly, of which Democrats outnumber Republicans 106 to 43, according to Ballotpedia.
With this solid Democrat majority, dozens of members of the governor’s own party must move to impeach him — and they have.
State Assemblyman Ron Kim (D) urged the chamber to return to session immediately to start the impeachment process, according to Fox News.
“There is no measure left to hide the truth,” Kim noted. “The governor broke the law so we must hold him accountable.”
State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, also a Democrat, reiterated the need for Cuomo’s removal.
“As I said, when these disturbing allegations first came to light, the governor must resign for the good of the state. Now that the investigation is complete and the allegations have been substantiated, it should be clear to everyone that he can no longer serve as governor,” Stewart-Collins said in a statement.
Calls for resignation from New York officials have been joined by the White House, as both White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki and President Joe Biden have made clear that Cuomo must resign.
“I think he should resign,” Biden said Tuesday. “I understand that the state legislature may decide to impeach.”