Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday he will resign amid a possible impeachment and a state attorney general report that found he sexually harassed women and violated state and federal law.
Cuomo said he will “step aside” in 14 days to make way for Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Buffalo native who would become the state’s first female governor.
Cuomo has been facing a possible impeachment from the state Assembly, whose Judiciary Committee said Monday that articles of impeachment could come as early as later this month.
That came just six days after the release of a bombshell report by state Attorney General Letita James. The report concluded that Cuomo violated multiple state and federal laws by sexually harassing 11 women, and in one case, sexually assaulting a woman.
“Given the circumstances, the best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to governing,” Cuomo said.
Cuomo made the announcement during a virtual briefing announced just a half hour prior. His office had described the briefing as an address to “the people of New York.” Many journalists and commentators expressed shock on Twitter over the resignation, expecting Cuomo to continue to deny calls for him to step down and push back against the allegations.
Hochul tweeted her support of Cuomo's decision.
"It is the right thing to do and in the best interest of New Yorkers," she said. "As someone who has served at all levels of government and is next in the line of succession, I am prepared to lead as New York State’s 57th Governor."
Cuomo, 63, was first elected as governor in 2010 and is currently in his third term.
Editor’s note: This is a developing story and will be updated.
