New York Governor Kathy Hochul's administration is facing a challenging situation as her press secretary, Avi Small, has been placed on administrative leave in light of a sexual harassment allegation. The incident in question reportedly took place during an all-staff retreat on June 16, 2025, in Albany, New York. This development adds a layer of complexity to Governor Hochul's tenure, given her strong stance against workplace misconduct.
Avi Small, a trusted aide who has been with Governor Hochul's team since she took office in 2021, was promoted to press secretary in mid-2023. Before joining the governor's office, Small had established robust Democratic credentials, working on former President Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign and for New York Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, as reported by OANN.
The retreat, which included a softball game among other activities, was meant to foster team spirit, but it is now under scrutiny as the backdrop for the alleged misconduct. The exact details of the incident have not been disclosed, and the governor's office has refrained from providing further information, citing the ongoing investigation.
From the outset of her governorship, Hochul has positioned herself as a reformer, intent on rectifying the toxic workplace culture that had been associated with her predecessor, Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo resigned amid multiple sexual harassment allegations. Hochul pledged a zero-tolerance policy toward such misconduct and has since implemented several reforms aimed at protecting employees. These measures include mandatory in-person harassment training, the establishment of a human resources office within the governor's administration, and the introduction of anonymous reporting channels for staff.
Following the allegation against Small, Governor Hochul's office released a statement through spokesperson Anthony Hogrebe, stating, “Governor Hochul has zero tolerance for misconduct by any New York State employee and has instituted the strongest workplace protections and training policies in state history.” Hogrebe also noted that Small was placed on leave as soon as the complaint was received.
The press secretary himself has declined to comment on the matter. It was reported that Small was not initially informed of the specific nature of the complaint when he was placed on administrative leave.
Governor Hochul and Small were both present at a meeting in Boston with Northeast governors and Canadian officials on the day of the alleged incident, with Small returning to Albany later that day. This timeline is now being examined as part of the investigation.
Since assuming office, the Hochul administration has engaged an external law firm to review claims of discrimination and harassment. Executive chamber staff have undergone training on harassment policies, and human resources staff are required to report potential violations promptly. However, despite these reforms, there is skepticism from critics who question whether the administration can fully move past the shadow of Cuomo's misconduct scandals.
Governor Hochul has been clear on her stance, stating, “Anyone who crosses the line, they’re going to have to deal with me. There’s no tolerance for anyone who abuses their positions.” The outcome of the investigation into Small's conduct will be a significant indicator of the administration's dedication to its declared principles.
