“Wasting energy on distractions is the last thing that state government should be doing and I cannot be the cause of that.” he said in a video address. “Given the circumstances the best way I can help now is to step aside and let government get back to governing.”
Cuomo announced he will step down in 14 days and Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul will serve out the rest of Cuomo’s term and become the first female governor in the Empire state’s history. Cuomo’s resignation comes after a decade as governor and means the last two New York State Governors, Cuomo and Eliot Spitzer have both resigned.
Last week, New York State Attorney General Letitia James released the results of her investigation which included questioning the governor for 11 hours last month. The investigation concluded Cuomo sexually harassed 11 women and retaliated against one of the women.
Cuomo denied the allegations and even held several presssers defending his actions. However, it fell on deaf ears as state politicians including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio called for his resignation. President Joe Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also called for the governor to step down.
Cuomo initially refused to step down and said he would fight. New York lawmakers quickly began to organize and conduct impeachment proceedings. Additionally, several district attorney’s general began investigations into the allegations.
In addition to the sexual harassment allegations, Cuomo was previously in hot water for hiding the number of coronavirus deaths in nursing homes by the thousands and for using state resources for his book on managing the pandemic.
Several New York politicians commented on Cuomo’s resignation on Twitter. Former Democratic Mayoral candidate Maya Wiley tweeted “FINALLY” in all capital letters at the news the state will have its first female governor. James said today closes a sad chapter for all of New York and thanked the governor for his contributions to the state.
