Attorney General Eric Schneiderman Resigns Amid Abuse Allegations

May 9th, 2018

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced his resignation Tuesday night just hours after a bombshell story published by the New Yorker in which four women accused the 63-year-old AG of physical abuse.

While Schneiderman initially denied the assault charges and described the incidents as within the confines of consensual sexual activity, pressure to resign mounted quickly against the Attorney General who had become a very public supporter and advocate for women and the #MeToo movement.

New York State Solicitor General Barbara Underwood has been sworn in as the State’s acting Attorney General until the vacancy can be filled via legislative appointment.

The State Constitution provides that Schneiderman’s successor will be elected by a majority of the members of the state Legislature.

Legislative appointment requires 107 votes. The Assembly’s Democratic Majority has 106 votes, and a history of choosing their own members to fill vacancies of this nature, including Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.

Many names from across the state have emerged as potential successors. Whoever is chosen by the legislature will have to run for re-election in the fall — and will likely face one or more primary challengers.