NY: Gov. Hochul calls for Queens Assemblyman Ardila's resignation amid sexual misconduct allegations
During a press conference on Thursday, March 16, Gov. Kathy Hochul called for Assemblyman Juan Ardila to resign, days after two women accused him of sexual misconduct at a 2015 party.
“I condemn all forms of sexual assault. It is intolerable and unacceptable what he did,” Hochul said Thursday during an unrelated press conference. “I support the survivors and their call for accountability and yes, he should resign.”
News broke Monday that Ardila allegedly sexually assaulted two women at a Manhattan party held by Fordham University students nearly eight years ago. One victim said he inappropriately touched her and tried to lead her into the bathroom before a friend intervened, while another said he groped her. Both requested to be anonymous.
Ardila, who issued an apology following the allegations, was elected last year to represent the 37th assembly district covering western Queens, taking over a seat that was left vacant by Cathy Nolan.
Ardila has received harsh criticism from colleagues at every level of government, with several elected officials calling for his resignation.
Councilman Robert Holden, a former opponent of Ardila’s when campaigning for City Council in 2021, was the first elected leader to demand his resignation, with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez following suit.
https://sunnysidepost.com/gov-hochul-calls-for-queens-assemblyman-ardilas-resignation-amid-sexual-misconduct-allegations
