The passing of Former New York Governor Mario Cuomo on Thursday sparked an outpouring of praise on social media, paying tribute to a man known as "the last liberal giant of New York politics."

Tonight, New York has lost a giant. Mario Cuomo was a man of unwavering principle who possessed a compassion for humankind without equal.

— Bill de Blasio (@BilldeBlasio) January 2, 2015

Saddened by the passing of Mario Cuomo – a passionate public servant and the embodiment of the American dream. http://t.co/YP6Liuuj2N — Bill Clinton (@billclinton) January 2, 2015

Our country and our region lost a giant today with the passing of Governor Mario Cuomo.

— Governor Christie (@GovChristie) January 2, 2015

All who knew Mario Cuomo were better for it. My thoughts and prayers are with the Cuomo family. RIP — Rep. Pete King (@RepPeteKing) January 2, 2015

I was lucky to call Mario Cuomo a friend. My heart goes out to the entire Cuomo family during this difficult time http://t.co/5Tqr4oxd0C

— Mike Bloomberg (@MikeBloomberg) January 2, 2015

Our deepest condolences on the passing of Gov Cuomo a proud son of immigrants, possessed of a soaring intellect & a great New Yorker. — George E. Pataki (@GovernorPataki) January 2, 2015

Mario Cuomo was a man of principle & eloquence. He challenged us to make real the American Dream for all! http://t.co/EMUAoSiHhq

— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) January 2, 2015

Democrats are mourning the loss of Mario Cuomo tonight. Thoughts are with @NYGovCuomo and the entire Cuomo family: http://t.co/tYN5usMwo3 — D Wasserman Schultz (@DWStweets) January 2, 2015

A sad day as we say goodbye to our friend, mentor, our 'moral compass', our guiding light; my governor-in-law; #RIPMarioCuomo

A sad day as we say goodbye to our friend, mentor, our 'moral compass', our guiding light; my governor-in-law; #RIPMarioCuomo

— Kenneth Cole (@KennethCole) January 2, 2015

RIP Governor Mario Cuomo. One of the greatest progressives this country has ever known. He will be greatly missed...

— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) January 2, 2015