The first female governor of New York took up her duties: what is known about her

Katie Hawkul became the first female governor of New York. She took over as head of state at midnight on Tuesday, August 24, after Andrew Cuomo resigned from this post amid accusations of harassment, reports AP News. Hawkul, 62, described by her predecessor as "smart and competent," is a centrist Democrat from Buffalo, the newspaper said. BBC News.

The Western New York Democrat was sworn in as governor in a short private ceremony at the New York State Capitol under the supervision of State Chief Justice Janet Difyore.

She later admitted that she felt the "burden of responsibility" on her shoulders.

“I want to tell the New Yorkers that I can handle the challenge. And I'm really proud to serve them as governor, I won't let them down, ”she said.

Who is she

Hawkul joined Governor Cuomo's team in 2014 and has held the largely ceremonial role of Lieutenant Governor.

Katie Hawkul is from a family of steelworkers, her grandparents fled to the United States from Ireland due to poverty. Then New York became their home.

Katie Hawkul is one of six children. She received her Bachelor of Laws from Syracuse University and her Law degree from the Catholic University of America.

Then she began working as an assistant to parliamentarians in the US Congress. Hawkul also worked in local positions before being elected to the US Congress.

Hawkul has defended women facing domestic and sexual violence throughout her career. She spearheaded Cuomo's "Enough is Enough" campaign to combat sexual violence on campuses.

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In 2006, she and her mother and aunt also founded the Kathleen Mary House, a temporary home for victims of domestic violence.

In 2008, the future governor found herself at the center of a scandal after she opposed then-New York Governor Eliot Spitzer's plan to grant illegal immigrants a driver's license. She changed her mind 10 years later, stating, "This is a completely different era."

Hawkul joined the chorus of politicians who denounced Andrew Cuomo for harassment. She said his resignation was "the right thing to do," calling his behavior "repulsive and illegal."

Hawkul was preparing for a more magnificent oath

During the day on Tuesday, the Hawkul State Capitol plans to host the swearing-in ceremony with more pomp than the brief, legally binding event last night.

She plans to meet with legislative leaders and deliver a public address.

For the first time, most of the most powerful figures in New York State government will be women. This includes State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stuart-Cousins, Attorney General Laetitia James, and Chief Justice Difyore. The State Assembly is chaired by Speaker Karl Heisty.

"I tried my best to please you"

Cuomo's resignation comes after an independent investigation led by Attorney General Laetitia James. The investigation concluded that there is credible evidence of sexual harassment on the part of at least 11 women.

Cuomo has denied sexual harassment. But he said that he would like to "deeply, deeply" apologize to women who might have been offended by his actions.

Cuomo left office at 00:00 on August 24, two weeks after announced that he would resignso as not to face possible impeachment. He submitted his resignation letter to the leaders of the State Assembly and Senate late Monday evening, August 23rd.

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On his last day in office, Cuomo released a pre-recorded farewell address. In it, he defended his governor's legacy, built over more than 10 years as governor of New York. Cuomo presented himself as the victim of a "media buzz."

In his parting words, Cuomo took a demonstrative stance. He stated that the Attorney General's report, which led to his resignation, was intended as "a political fireworks display on an explosive topic, and it really worked."

Cuomo also positioned himself as a bulwark against the left wing of his party. According to him, it wants to deprive the police of funding and demonize business. He boasted that he had made the government effective during his years in power. He referred to his work in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. He mentioned the legalization of same-sex marriage and the increase in the minimum wage in the state to $ 15 per hour.

“I tried my best to please you,” Cuomo said.

Cuomo's resignation will not end his legal troubles.

An aide, who claimed that Cuomo touched her chest, filed a complaint with the Albany County Sheriff's Office, which threatens him with criminal prosecution. Cuomo also faces another legal investigation as to whether he misled the public about deaths from COVID-19 in nursing homesto protect our reputation as a leader in the fight against the pandemic. In addition, the investigation is now finding out whether the ex-governor received illegal assistance from government officials in writing his book. By the way, the book brought him $ 5 million.