The Interlude

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday afternoon that he will resign in two weeks, following accusations of sexual harassment by 11 women.

Cuomo’s resignation comes after an investigation released last Tuesday found that the governor sexually harassed nearly a dozen people, including nine former and current state employees and a New York State Trooper.

“Given the circumstances, 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,” Cuomo said during the televised address this morning. “Because I work for you, and doing the right thing is doing the right thing for you.”

After the investigation was made public, many top Democratic leaders, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Joe Biden, called on Cuomo to resign. Cuomo has continually denied the accusations, even after they were found credible, saying that “the facts are much different that what has been portrayed” before issuing his own report. 

Cuomo’s resignation helped avoid an impending impeachment trial and likely conviction. He today acknowledged some “mistakes,” but did not go so far as to concede to the allegations. 

“I want my three jewels to know this,” Cuomo said, addressing his daughters, who he said were often watching the accusations come in with him. “My greatest goal is for them to have a better future than the generations of women before them…I want them to know that I never did, and never would, intentionally disrespect a woman or treat any woman differently than I want them to be treated.”

Cuomo’s resignation takes effect in 14 days. New York State’s Lieutenant Governor, Kathy Hochul, will step into the role of governor, becoming New York’s first female governor.