Story highlights Gillibrand's remarks are particularly noteworthy considering she was a big supporter of Hillary Clinton

The senator has been a strong advocate against sexual assault and for women's rights

Washington (CNN) New York Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand believes that former President Bill Clinton should have resigned in light of the Lewinsky affair.

Speaking to The New York Times Thursday, Gillibrand, who holds Hillary Clinton's former seat, said of whether the former president should have stepped down, "Yes, I think that is the appropriate response."

Clinton was ultimately impeached over the scandal but was acquitted by the Senate and finished his term as president.

Gillibrand's remarks are particularly noteworthy considering she was a big supporter of Hillary Clinton's recent presidential campaign. She frequently spoke in support of the Clintons and traveled to campaign events to advocate for the former first lady.

"Things have changed today, and I think under those circumstances there should be a very different reaction," she said. "And I think in light of this conversation, we should have a very different conversation about President Trump, and a very different conversation about allegations against him."

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