Kathy Hochul to become New York state's 1st female governor following Cuomo's resignation

New York Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) is set to replace newly-resigned Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) and become the first female governor of the state of New York.

"I agree with Governor Cuomo's decision to step down," Hochul tweeted on Tuesday. "It is the right thing to do and in the best interest of New Yorkers." She added that she is "prepared to lead as New York state's 57th governor."

In his resignation, which will take effect in 14 days, Cuomo described Hochul as "smart and competent," and said her transition must be "seamless." A native of western New York, Hochul joined Cuomo's team in 2014, but has "largely been cut off from his inner circle," The New York Times reports. Following the release of the state attorney general's disturbing 165-page sexual harassment report, Hochul called Cuomo's behavior "repulsive," and suggested her loyalties to him had waned, per the Times.

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Brigid Kennedy worked at The Week from 2021 to 2023 as a staff writer, junior editor and then story editor, with an interest in U.S. politics, the economy and the music industry.