Press Secretary for Kathy Hochul Resigns Following Sexual Harassment Allegation

Avi Small, longtime press secretary for New York Governor Kathy Hochul, has officially resigned after being suspended amid a sexual harassment complaint, sources confirmed Friday, as reported by The New York Post.

Small submitted his resignation letter days after being placed on leave pending an internal investigation into a reported incident that took place following a staff retreat in Albany.

According to officials familiar with the matter, the complaint stems from allegations that Small inappropriately touched a staff member at a bar during an off-site gathering last month.

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Governor Hochul’s office acknowledged the resignation but did not offer additional comment on the matter or the details of the ongoing investigation. “We can confirm that Avi Small has resigned,” a representative for the governor’s office said. No further statement was issued.

NEW: Gov. Kathy Hochul’s press secretary, Avi Small, resigned Friday following the conclusion of an investigation into sexual harassment, her office confirmed.https://t.co/DYdBN7xrEd

— Vaughn Golden (@VaughnEGolden) July 4, 2025

Small had served as Hochul’s chief spokesperson since she took office in 2021, following the resignation of former Governor Andrew Cuomo.

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Prior to joining the Hochul administration, Small held communications roles in state government under the Cuomo administration and had worked in various capacities in Albany’s political circles.

The complaint against Small triggered an internal review by the governor’s office last week. Shortly thereafter, Small was placed on administrative suspension while the complaint was assessed.

The specific nature of the conduct alleged has not been detailed by the governor’s office, but sources say the accusation involves an incident of physical contact that made the staffer feel uncomfortable.

The resignation marks another personnel controversy within the Hochul administration and comes at a time when scrutiny over workplace culture in state government remains high.

Hochul previously pledged to restore ethical standards and transparency in Albany following the scandals that plagued her predecessor.

It is not yet clear whether any additional complaints have been filed or if criminal charges are being considered.

The staffer involved in the complaint has not been publicly identified, and the governor’s office has not confirmed whether outside investigators have been engaged in the matter.

Small’s departure leaves a vacancy in one of the governor’s top communication roles as her office navigates an election year and ongoing legislative initiatives in New York State.

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