(The Center Square) – New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, saying he did not want to be a distraction, announced Tuesday afternoon that he will resign as governor, with that move effective in 14 days.
When the resignation goes into effect, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul will become New York’s 57th governor and the first woman to lead the state.
The decision to step down comes one week after a five-month investigation overseen by state Attorney General Letitia James found that 11 women made credible claims that Cuomo sexually harassed them.
Even in the moments before he announced his resignation, the three-term Democrat fought back against the accusations, but he said ultimately that it was in the best interests in the state that he step down.
“It has been the honor of my life,” Cuomo said about serving as the state’s governor.
Cuomo faced more investigations than just the sexual harassment inquiry. He also was facing an impeachment investigation in the state Assembly that was looking at several allegations, including ones related to his administration’s management of nursing homes during the COVID-19 emergency, a $5 million book deal he received regarding the coronavirus, and allegations of safety concerns being covered up regarding the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.
On Monday, Assembly Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Lavine said that it would take several weeks before lawmakers would vote on possible impeachment charges, laying out a scenario that would have taken months to conclude.
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