Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul attend a 2015 screening of “The Hunting Ground,” a documentary highlighting sexual violence at colleges and universities.

How New York Went From Cuomo to Hochul

On Aug. 3, State Attorney General Letitia James released a report detailing multiple sexually harassment allegations Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Three weeks later, Kathy Hochul became the first woman to lead the state. Here’s what you need to know.

Contributors: City Staff

Eleven accusers. 179 witnesses. 74,000 pieces of evidence.

It all added up to an explosive 168-page report released Aug. 3 by State Attorney General Letitia James that painted Gov. Andrew Cuomo as a predator who repeatedly sexually harassed women in his orbit. A week later, the report drove Cuomo to give his two weeks notice. On Aug. 24, Kathy Hochul took the oath of office and became the first woman to lead the state.

Here’s what you need to know about the saga — and what’s next:

25 Total Updates Since
August 03, 2021 05:54 PM

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Hochul Reviewing Legal Bills Racked Up by Cuomo’s Office in Harassment and Nursing Home Probes

By Greg B. Smith

Taxpayers could be on the hook for up to $5 million in lawyer and public relations contracts inked by the now ex-governor, records show. His successor looking before paying any more bills — including for a firm where one lawyer charges $973 an hour.
New Governor Kathy Hochul to New Yorkers: You Can Trust Me

By Josefa Velasquez

In her first day in office, the state’s 57th governor moves to rebuild trust damaged by secrecy and sexual harassment under Andrew Cuomo. On her agenda: cleaning up Albany, speeding up rent and worker aid — and vaccine mandates.
Vaccination Mandate Battle Awaits Kathy Hochul as She Ascends to Governor

By Josefa Velasquez and Katie Honan

Cuomo calls on his successor to do what he didn’t: make all employers require shots for workers. Meanwhile, Mayor de Blasio announced a vaccine mandate for school employees. Now the pressure’s on Hochul, from Day One.
New York’s New Governor Kathy Hochul Takes Charge in Crisis Mode

By Josefa Velasquez

Andrew Cuomo leaves more than scandal in his wake. The first woman to lead the state will need to move quickly on repairing the sputtering rent relief system, dealing with the soon-to-expire evictions moratorium and, now, storm cleanup from Henri.
Cuomo Impeachment Inquiry Dropped by State Assembly. Could He Run Again?

By Josefa Velasquez

Speaker Carl Heastie says lawmakers don’t have authority to impeach a departed governor — and that ongoing state and federal probes as well as criminal investigations will deliver accountability. But some legislators were stunned by the move.
Governor-in-Waiting Kathy Hochul Prepares to Ascend. She Just Needs Cuomo to Leave

By Josefa Velasquez and Samantha Maldonado

In an unprecedented move, the governor says he won’t step down until Aug. 24 — spurring some watchdog groups to warn of “Cuomo’s 14 days of mischief.” What does the transition of power have in store for his replacement?
Hochul’s Past Push to Arrest Immigrants Resurfaces as She Readies to Replace Cuomo

By Samantha Maldonado and Josefa Velasquez

The governor-to-be says she’s “evolved” since fighting driver’s licenses for undocumented New Yorkers. Advocates for immigrants say they’ll be watching how she wields her power to judge how much she’s changed.
Cuomo’s Exit Could Kick Off Game of Political Musical Chairs for Governor’s Seat and More

By Clifford Michel and Yoav Gonen

The governor’s office, up for grabs next year, seems likely to draw a bevy of candidates. Judging from the previous electoral shake-ups, posts across the city and state could be changing hands.
How Cuomo Influenced New York Schools, From COVID to ‘Free College’

By Reema Amin, Chalkbeat and Alex Zimmerman, Chalkbeat

In over a decade in office, the outgoing governor clashed with Mayor Bill de Blasio, revealed an aggressive reform agenda only to pull back in the face of backlash — and resisted massive increases in education spending only to relent.
Many of Cuomo’s Big Transit Projects Remain Divisive, Incomplete

By Jose Martinez

The governor portrayed himself as the second coming of master builder Robert Moses and ruled the MTA with an iron fist. As he’s set to depart office with a host of transportation projects in flux, transit advocates say some should be scrapped.