Calls Grow For Cuomo’s Resignation + Politicians Eye 2022 Gov Race

Local News 

• A fourth and fifth woman have alleged Governor Andrew Cuomo of sexually harassing them.
• Cuomo spoke publicly about the sexual harassment allegations for the first time, issuing an uncharacteristic—though heavily qualified—apology. He stated that he will not resign.
• The scandal is affecting Cuomo’s popularity; his approval ratings have dropped substantially.
• Increasing numbers of Democratic legislators are calling on Cuomo to resign or calling for the legislature to begin impeachment proceedings. The six socialists in the state legislature issued a statement calling for impeachment proceedings to begin.
• City Council Majority Leader Laurie Cumbo (District 35, Crown Heights) said she wants an independent investigation into Cuomo’s conduct to run its course, but that legislators shouldn’t rush to “cancel” the governor by asking for his resignation.
• State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (District 35, Yonkers) has called on Andrew Cuomo to resign.
• Scientific American made the case for impeaching Governor Andrew Cuomo for his handling of the pandemic.
• New York legislators voted to strip Cuomo of his emergency powers.
• The New York Times reports that “legislators are coming around to the idea” of taxing the rich in New York.
• NYC-DSA-endorsed City Council candidate Alexa Aviles wrote a letter to The Wall Street Journal about the progressive turn in New York’s labor unions.
• A new possibility for the proposed apartment complex at 960 Franklin Avenue in Crown Heights would contain no affordable housing but still qualify for a Trump-era tax break.
• After apparently fierce opposition from Council Majority Leader Cumbo, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams withdrew his nomination for housing activist Cea Weaver to join the City Planning Commission.
• Teachers, students, and parents are fighting a New York City policy mandating that schools with declining enrollment return Department of Education funding. Many schools, particularly low-income schools, saw a steep decline in enrollment during the pandemic and are currently required to return funding, despite their need to hire more teachers and buy more equipment to adjust to virtual learning.
• Amazon has been buying dozens of warehouse properties in and around the city during the pandemic.
• NYC-DSA’s Racial Justice Working Group has launched a new Defund NYPD newsletter. Join the mailing list to subscribe.

Elections

• The Working Families Party and several other progressive actors, including Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and former gubernatorial candidate Cynthia Nixon, endorsed Tahanie Aboushi for Manhattan District Attorney.
• New York politicians are beginning to openly discuss the possibility of running for governor in 2022, including Republican Congressional Representative Lee Zeldin (NY-1, Suffolk County). Amid Cuomo’s escalating scandals, other potential gubernatorial primary challengers include Jumaane Williams and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
• Incumbent Council Member Bill Perkins (District 9, Harlem), who has served as a City and State legislator for over two decades, is officially running for reelection to his Council seat, despite concerns about his health and memory.
• Council Member Darma Diaz (District 37, Bushwick) accused challenger Sandy Nurse of switching racial identities for political gain.