Governor Andrew Cuomo tendered his resignation on Tuesday, August 10, during a live press briefing, just a week after New York Attorney General Letitia James released a scathing report detailing multiple sexual harassment allegations against him.

“The best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to government, and therefore that is what I'll do, because I work for you, and doing the right thing, is doing the right thing for you," Cuomo said.

Cuomo has denied most of the allegations, though he did admit that some of his behavior was not appropriate.

“I do kiss people on the forehead. I do kiss people on the cheek. I do kiss people on the hand. I do embrace people. I do hug people, men and women. I do on occasion say, ‘ciao, Bella.’ On occasion, I do slip and say ‘sweetheart,’ or ‘darling,’ or ‘honey.’ […] I now understand that there are generational or cultural perspectives that frankly, I hadn't fully appreciated,” Cuomo said last week after the report was released.

Cuomo, who was in his third term as governor, will officially step down in two weeks, and Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) will take his place, and become the first woman to hold the post in New York State.

The announcement came after multiple local, state, and federal leaders called on him to resign.

While this might mean that a formal impeachment might not take place, Cuomo still may be in legal trouble. Last week it was also announced that one of Cuomo’s accusers, known only as “Executive Assistant #1,” had filed a criminal complaint against him with the Albany County Sheriff’s Office.

In the report, she details the groping incident. On November 16, 2020, she was called to the mansion by Stephanie Benton, the director of the governor’s offices, to help assist the governor. Once she was finished with her work and was ready to leave, she said the governor pulled her in for a hug. At that moment, she said she noted that the door to Cuomo’s office was open, and she stepped away from the governor and said, “You’re going to get us in trouble,” to which the governor allegedly replied, “I don’t care,” and slammed the door shut. The woman described Cuomo’s actions in that moment as “sexually driven.” Cuomo then reportedly turned back to the woman, slid his hand up her blouse, and grabbed and cupped her breast over her bra.

Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple told The New York Post, “The end result could either be it sounds substantiated and an arrest is made and it would be up to the DA to prosecute the arrest… Just because of who it is we are not going to rush it or delay it.”

After news of Cuomo's resignation broke, State Senator Mike Martucci (R-42) issued the following statement: “Governor Cuomo’s resignation is long overdue, but I’m glad he finally came to the obvious realization that all of us came to long ago. The culture of abuse, intimidation, lies and bullying that he brought to state government were among our state’s darkest chapters. Thankfully we are closing the book on that era today. I was among the first legislators to call for his resignation and later impeachment. I did not do so lightly — instead, I simply followed the facts and applied my own moral compass. I wish Lieutenant Governor Hochul well in the transition, and I pledge to work with her along with my colleagues in the Legislature to move our state forward and address the pressing problems we were elected to solve. Finally, I want to recognize the bravery, resilience and strength of all of the governor’s victims. Today is a day you receive a measure of justice, and our state can look to better and brighter days ahead.”

State Senator Michelle Hinchey (D-46) also responded. “The governor’s resignation was a necessary step toward restoring trust, transparency, and accountability in our state government and represents a historic shift in New York State. This moment would not be possible without the brave women who shared their stories in the face of fear, retribution and scare tactics. We owe them a tremendous amount of gratitude, for, without their courage, we would not be here today,” she said. “At this critical moment, we need leaders who are solely focused on rebuilding our state and improving the lives of people and families everywhere. While we continue to face many challenges, I look forward to working with Kathy Hochul, a fellow upstate woman, who will make history, and more importantly, be a strong partner in delivering meaningful results for our communities.”

NYS Attorney General Letitia James said Tuesday, “Today closes a sad chapter for all of New York, but it’s an important step towards justice. I thank Governor Cuomo for his contributions to our state. The ascension of our Lieutenant Governor, Kathy Hochul, will help New York enter a new day. We must continue to build on the progress already made and improve the lives of New Yorkers in every corner of the state. I know our state is in good hands with Lieutenant Governor Hochul at the helm, and I look forward to continuing to work with her.”

Note: This article has been updated to include additional reactions from local politicians.