Stefanik has urged Cuomo to leave his post as he faces questions over the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state and accusations of sexual harassment.
Speaking on the Ruthless podcast, Stefanik branded Cuomo’s leadership corrupt and said he should leave his post.
Stefanik was asked if she would consider a run and said: “I do think the dynamics are changing. I think he [Cuomo] should resign.”
Stefanik said she was focused on running for reelection to the House. However, she did not rule a run for governor out.
Pressed on that, she said: “A lot can change.
“This governor should resign. If he does not resign, there is a path for a Republican to win statewide in New York.
“I’m calling for him to resign. I want to see that happen.
“I again am planning on running for the House, but these dynamics as you know change very quickly.”
Other lawmakers from New York have also called for Cuomo to resign. The prospect of him being impeached has been raised.
Stefanik’s seat in the House will be up for reelection in 2022. New York’s next gubernatorial election will also take place in 2022.
Cuomo has also faced a backlash related to COVID-19 nursing home deaths and these having been underreported. New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a report released state health officials could likely have undercounted COVID-19 nursing home deaths by as much as 50 percent. Questions have been raised over COVID-19 patients being brought into nursing homes in the state. An executive order from Cuomo has been under scrutiny.
As well as this controversy, three women have also made sexual harassment allegations against Cuomo, including two former aides.
An independent investigation has been launched by the New York attorney general into the claims from the former aides.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Cuomo said: “I now understand that my interactions may have been insensitive or too personal and that some of my comments, given my position, made others feel in ways I never intended.
“I acknowledge some of the things I have said have been misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation. To the extent anyone felt that way, I am truly sorry about that.
“To be clear I never inappropriately touched anybody and I never propositioned anybody and I never intended to make anyone feel uncomfortable, but these are allegations that New Yorkers deserve answers to.
“That’s why I have asked for an outside, independent review that looks at these allegations.”
Newsweek has contacted Stefanik and Cuomo’s offices for comment.
