Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul in a statement on Tuesday said she trusts the investigation being overseen by former federal prosecutor Joon Kim and employment attorney Anne Clark into allegations facing Gov. Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior.
"With yesterday’s announcement launching the independent investigation led by Joon H. Kim and Anne L. Clark, I am confident everyone’s voice will be heard and taken seriously," Hochul said. "I trust the inquiry to be completed as thoroughly and expeditiously as possible. New Yorkers should be confident that through this process they will soon learn the facts."
The statement is Hochul's first public comment since the investigation began on the allegations facing Cuomo, who has said he will not resign amid calls from top Democrats in the state Legislature for him to do so.
On Feb. 27, Hochul backed an independent investigation of the allegations.
"Everyone deserves to have their voice heard and taken seriously," she said. "I support an independent review."
Hochul is next in line if Cuomo were to leave office before his term concludes and is now in her second term serving as the lieutenant governor. Her comment aligns with Democrats who have not called for Cuomo to step down.Multiple Democrats have said Attorney General Letitia James's office should be given the time to conduct the investigaiton.
James on Monday announced the appointment of Kim and Clark to co-lead the investigation, which will have the power to issue subpoenas.
Cuomo's office has said the administration will cooperate with the investigation.
Clarification: This story has been updated to clarify this was Hochul's first public statement since the investigation began, not since allegations were made public.