The governor has another group of supporters in his corner: his family.
Former New York first lady Matilda Cuomo rallied around her son, Governor Andrew Cuomo on Monday, as he is increasingly called for resignation.
“I’ve always had the greatest admiration for Andrew, and I still do,” Matilda, 89, told the Times Union on a phone call from her Manhattan apartment. “He’s my son and I don’t like what he’s going through.”
The governor, 63, is embroiled in a scandal with allegations of inappropriate behavior with younger women, as well as controversy over deaths in nursing homes due to COVID-19.
Several lawmakers have called for him to resign, including members of his own party such as State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-Yonkers), the most senior Democrat to call for him to resign. steps. He has sworn not to resign.
The Matriarch of the Cuomo family, and widow of former Governor Mario Cuomo, said she had told her eldest son to “keep doing his job as governor. Because he’s a problem solver who gets things done for the people of New York. “
The three-term government “is so much like his father,” Matilda said, adding, “Not many people have the skills he has.”
One of the governor’s three sisters, Maria Cuomo Cole, also spoke to the Albany newspaper – saying the whole family has gathered around Andrew.
“He has 100 percent confidence in us.”
Neither woman specifically addressed the claims of sexual harassment levied on their loved one.
But Maria, 60, the middle child of the five Cuomo siblings, defended her brother’s record on women’s issues.
“Andrew has led the most progressive agenda in the country for women’s equality and social justice,” said Maria, the wife of fashion designer Kenneth Cole.
“He has empowered more women in leadership positions than any other government in New York State.”
She said it was “disappointing” for the powerful political family to see that the governor “would not have the support of some elected officials who know his capabilities so well.”
“But that’s largely political,” she said.
Her advice to her brother was, “develop thick skin, keep doing your job, stay positive, and don’t listen to naysayers.”