Washington, DC – DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement on the passing of former Governor Mario Cuomo:

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former New York Governor Mario Cuomo. Few matched Governor Cuomo's eloquence when encouraging the American people to strive for a society that seeks equality of opportunity for all. Having been born and raised in New York myself, I benefited from the legacy he left and I appreciated that throughout his life, he embraced progressive policies that would move our nation forward without leaving any American behind.

“Today, his son Andrew Cuomo was sworn in for his second term as Governor of New York. In this time of loss, there is a measure of comfort in knowing that Mario Cuomo's legacy and his vision for America lives on in his son and throughout the Democratic Party. I wish to extend my condolences to Andrew and the entire Cuomo family.”