Juan Ardila, a freshman Democratic Assemblyman from Queens, faces calls for his resignation; among the chorus is New York’s governor, Kathy Hochul.
“It is intolerable and unacceptable what he did,” Hochul said to reporters in New York City on Thursday. “I support the survivors in their call for accountability. And yes, he should resign.”
Hochul ascended to the governorship after Andrew Cuomo resigned in disgrace over his sexual misconduct allegations.
Hochul’s words came a day after Assembly Speaker E. Carl Heastie declined to weigh in on Ardila. Heastie told reporters that since the alleged conduct occurred before the assemblyman’s election, it was outside of the Ethics Committee’s purview. He did say, however, it was “a serious allegation.”
Outlets in Queens have gotten accounts from two survivors about allegations that Ardila made crude sexual overtures to two Queens women during an October 2015 party for students and alumni of Fordham University, which they were attending. Ardila was then a recent graduate.
One of the women was intoxicated when Ardila allegedly began touching her. He then led her down a hallway before a friend stopped him. The other woman alleged she had been yanked into a bathroom by Ardila, who then kissed her before exposing and touching himself.
At the time of the party, Ardila worked for then-Councilmember Brad Lander.
“I believe that Juan Ardila should heed the call of the women he harmed to resign,” Lander, now the city’s comptroller, said Wednesday. “As someone who has seen Juan grow over the past eight years, I hope to see him take accountability now.”
Ardila has spoken about the allegations. “I recognize that my role as a public servant requires transparency and trust. I made mistakes and I am not perfect,” Ardila said. “However, I am interested in and eager for a restorative justice-centered process so that we can heal and repair the damage done.”
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