It’s been nearly a week since Gov. Kathy Hochul’s lieutenant governor, Brian Benjamin, resigned over a corruption scandal.

And while Hochul addressed the issue with reporters briefly last week, she hastily left her event Monday in Chelsea without engaging with the press.

What You Need To Know

  • Gov. Hochul offered praise for corporate interests at the opening of a new park, but would not answer questions from the press

  • Hochul’s lieutenant governor, Brian Benjamin, resigned last week after a corruption scandal. Hochul has yet to name a replacement

  • Hochul’s opponent, Tom Suozzi, has a new ad attacking Hochul for her secrecy

In her public remarks for the opening of a rooftop park on Pier 57, Hochul offered praise for some for the corporate interests that helped make the project a reality.

“So, thank you, Google,” Hochul said, “for seeing the potential that we didn’t even know ourselves. Your leadership in coming here two decades ago, paved the way for people here to say, ‘Well, if it’s good enough for Google, what are we waiting for?’”

Hochul is facing a challenge in the June primary from Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Congressman Tom Suozzi, who released a new ad criticizing Hochul.

“Secretive budgets? Million dollar giveaways to friends? And now Governor Hochul’s handpicked lieutenant governor arrested for bribery,” Suozzi says in the ad.

Suozzi also took to social media to praise the former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who resigned in scandal himself last August.

Cuomo wrote an op-Ed in the “Daily News” Monday calling for a new direction for the Democratic Party.

“Andrew Cuomo delivers a blistering critique of our state and I agree with him. Some may discount the messenger, but the message is spot on,” Suozzi said.

Starting Tuesday, Hochul is expected to unveil her first campaign ad of the year. Representatives for Hochul were tight lipped about its contest, but political watchers say they are surprised she waited this long to run ads.