New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Former Lt. Gov.Kathy Hochulhas officially made history.
Early Tuesday, the 62-year-old was sworn in as the governor of New York, becoming the first female of New York state to hold the position following the resignation ofAndrew Cuomo. Cuomo stepped down amid allegations ofsexual harassment.
“Honored to be officially sworn in as New York’s 57th Governor,“Hochul tweetedfrom her new official governor account shortly after midnight. “Looking forward to the full swearing-in ceremony with my family later this morning, and addressing the people of New York later today.”
Kathy Hochul becomes the first female governor of New York.Hans Pennink-Pool/Getty Images
For the first time in New York State history, two women hold the highest political positions. As Hochul becomes governor, New York Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins becomes lieutenant governor, until Hochul names her own replacement.
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In her administration, Hochulrecently told PEOPLE, “I will encourage and expect anybody to come forward if they see anything that could be construed as inappropriate. I’ll make sure people are well familiar with the laws we have in place, because we do have some of the toughest sexual harassment laws in the nation.”
“But it’s about enforcing them. It’s about allowing women to feel safe and welcome in the workplace so they can excel,” she said.
Hans Pennink-Pool/Getty Images
To that end, Hochul said she plans to “appoint a number of high-profile women in the next few weeks.”
“We’ll be there showing that there’s a difference,” she continued. People will be convinced that it’s changed — because look who’s in office now.”
During Cuomo’s farewell address to New York on Tuesday, he sentwell wishes to Hochulas she takes over.
“At midnight, Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul will become governor. She is smart and competent, and I believe she will step up to the challenge. I wish her every success,” Cuomosaid. “Thank you for the honor of serving you. Thank you for empowering me to fight for you. And never forget: Always stay New York tough, smart, united, disciplined and loving. It’s the essence of what makes New Yorkers so special. Ever Upward.
source: people.com
