State Senator Brian Benjamin, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul and Reverend Al Sharpton celebrate at a press conference announcing State Senator Brian Benjamin as Lt. Governor in New York City. Senator Benjamin, who placed fourth in the Democratic primary for city comptroller earlier this year, will replace Hochul who was sworn in as Governor this week after the resignation of former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Senator Benjamin has been a lead sponsor and advocate for criminal and police reforms that includes the Eric Garner Anti-Chokehold Act and the Less is More Act, which restricts the use of incarceration for non-criminal technical parole violations. He has also been a proponent of affordable housing. (Photo by Ron Adar / SOPA Images/Sipa USA)
Governor Hochul Makes Special Announcement With State Senator Brian Benjamin in New York, US – 26 Aug 2021
NEW YORK (77WABC) — New York Lt. Governor Brian Benjamin has resigned after he was arrested in a federal corruption investigation.
The U.S. Attorney’s office said Benjamin was arrested Tuesday on charges of bribery, honest services wire fraud and falsification of records. Benjamin, formerly a state senator from Harlem, had joined the administration of Governor Kathy Hochul in September, chosen by her to fill her former job a couple of weeks after she stepped into the governorship.
In a statement Hochul says, “I have accepted Brian Benjamin’s resignation effective immediately. While the legal process plays out, it is clear to both of us that he cannot continue to serve as Lieutenant Governor. New Yorkers deserve absolute confidence in their government, and I will continue working every day to deliver for them.”
Benjamin was the state’s second Black lieutenant governor. During his state Legislature career, the Democrat emphasized criminal justice reform and affordable housing.
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