New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has resigned after the state launched an investigation into sexual harassment allegations brought against him earlier this year.
Cuomo, 63, announced his departure during televised public remarks.
He denied deliberately showing any disrespect toward women. However, he said that he would not fight the "politically motivated" attack on him.
"The best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to government,'' Cuomo said.
In early 2021, Cuomo faced accusations that he had made lewd comments towards a number of women or grabbed them inappropriately, including members of his staff. Last week, the outgoing governor faced the sexual harassment allegations again after the New York attorney general’s office announced that the governor had made inappropriate comments towards at least 11 current and former employees. On 9 August, two more women stepped forward with harassment allegations against Cuomo.
New York's First Female Governor
Lt-Gov Kathy Hochul is a 62-year-old Democrat and former member of Congress from the Buffalo area.
She will become the 57th governor of New York in 14 days, once Cuomo's resignation is effective.
Hochul reacted to Cuomo's resignation on Twitter.
Earlier this month, Hochul took to Twitter to join the chorus of politicians denouncing Cuomo over the sexual harassment accusations.