Kathy Hochul Sworn in as Governor of New York

New York has a new governor. Kathy Hochul was sworn in as the state’s first female Governor shortly after midnight last night. She replaces Andrew Cuomo who resigned earlier this month after a report from the state’s Attorney General found that he sexually harassed 11 women. Hochul previously served as Cuomo’s Lieutenant Governor since 2015. In her first remarks as Governor in waiting on August 11th, she promised to ditch any of Cuomo’s aids who have been named as doing anything unethical in the report as part of her efforts to remake her executive chamber.

The investigation into Cuomo was halted shortly after he announced his resignation but is expected to pick up again within the next few weeks. During his closing remarks yesterday, the former Governor launched a series of attacks on his political rivals and questioned the motives of state Attorney General Letitia James. Cuomo also touted some of his biggest accomplishments including a series of infrastructure projects and passing marriage equality. He also blamed the media for reporting on allegations against him and suggested reporters had been too quick to accept the results of the probe. Cuomo has repeatedly denied all allegations of sexual misconduct against him.