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New York Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said Thursday that he plans to meet with lawmakers to address "paths forward" for Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is the subject of multiple sexual harassment allegations that have prompted calls for his resignation.
"In light of the allegations concerning the Governor over the last several weeks, I will be meeting with members in conference today on potential paths forward," Heastie said in a Thursday statement. Heastie, a Democrat, represents areas of the Bronx borough of New York City.
The speaker's comment came as a group of more than 55 Democratic state legislators signed a letter on Thursday calling on Cuomo to resign.
The letter cites the six women who have accused Cuomo of sexual harassment, as well as allegations that Cuomo's administration altered COVID-19 data on deaths in nursing homes. State Attorney General Letitia James is investigating both matters.
"Attorney General James has made clear that her independent investigation will continue and has already made an excellent choice in those picked to lead the investigation," the state lawmakers wrote in the letter. "We are fully confident in the Attorney General's ability to investigate this matter thoroughly, and know that no change in state executive leadership will impede or affect her office's important work."
The state lawmakers added that "in the meantime, the governor needs to put the people of New York first."
"We have a Lieutenant Governor who can step in and lead for the remainder of the term, and this is what is best for New Yorkers in this critical time," the state lawmakers wrote. "It is time for Governor Cuomo to resign."
Although the governor apologized last week, saying his comments to women "have been misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation," he has faced significant criticism and calls for his resignation. But Cuomo said on Sunday that resigning over the harassment allegations would be "anti-democratic," adding, "The system is based on due process and the credibility of the allegation."
Heastie previously called the allegations against Cuomo "deeply disturbing," adding that they "have no place whatsoever in government, the workplace or anywhere else" in a March 7 statement.
"We have many challenges to address, and I think it is time for the Governor to seriously consider whether he can effectively meet the needs of the people of New York," Heastie added.
Other New York Democrats, including state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, have also previously called on the governor to resign.
Newsweek reached out to Heastie's office for comment but didn't hear back in time for publication.
