In a joint letter obtained by Insider on Tuesday, six Democratic lawmakers from the New York State Senate and Assembly called for impeachment proceedings against Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
The letter from members of Cuomo's own party marks the most significant development in a potential impeachment to date.
The legislators said Cuomo's "predatory behavior" and "gross misconduct" demand impeachment proceedings. They also outlined the recent scandals as part of a broader pattern with the governor, who has earned a reputation in Albany as a vindictive executive with a penchant for bullying.
"The accounts of sexual harassment from the women who have courageously come forward confirm what many in Albany have known for years: that Governor Cuomo uses his power to belittle, bully and harass his employees and colleagues," the members wrote. "The accounts add to recent revelations of gross misconduct. It is time for the legislature to demand accountability. Impeachment proceedings are the appropriate avenue for us to pursue as legislators to hold the Governor accountable for his many abuses of power and remove him from office."
All six lawmakers identify as socialists, and are part of a new wave of left-wing lawmakers who emerged in recent primaries to challenge the political establishment.
The signatories include State Senator Julia Salazar, State Senator Jabari Brisport, Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, Assembly Member Phara Souffrant Forrest, Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, and Assembly Member Marcela Mitaynes
New York has only impeached a governor once, with Charles Sulzer convicted and removed from office in 1913 under charges of using campaign contributions to buy stocks. Sulzer was also vehemently opposed by the Tammany Hall political machine after he attempted to instill political reforms in Albany.
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