The US state of New York has a female governor for the first time

New York has a governor for the first time: After the resignation of the previous incumbent Andrew Cuomo on allegations of sexual harassment, Kathy Hochul is now at the helm.

The 62-year-old became the first woman to take over the political leadership of the region on the east coast on Tuesday. The city of New York City also belongs to the state with almost 20 million inhabitants. Until now, Hochul, who like Cuomo belongs to the Democratic Party, has been its deputy.

You feel “honored to have been sworn in as the 57th governor of New York,” wrote Hochul on Twitter that night.

On Tuesday, a ceremony with her family was on the program and then a speech to the population. Hochul told the broadcaster WGRZ that she was ready for her new job. But she also feels the responsibility on her shoulders.

Cuomo had resigned after ten years in office. Earlier, an official investigation concluded that he had sexually molested several women. US President Joe Biden had also called for his resignation.

Hochul represents the more conservative wing of the Democrats in New York, a traditional stronghold of the party. She has been the lieutenant governor since 2015.

It promises more transparency and a better working atmosphere than in the days of its predecessor. In the investigation report into Cuomo’s administration, there was talk of a “climate of fear”. Hochul now occupies two of the highest consultant positions with women, Karen Persichilli Keogh and Elizabeth Fine. She plans to run for a full term next year.