New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has resigned amid allegations of sexual harassment. The long-serving Democrat said his 10 year reign as governor will end in 14 days. At a press conference on Tuesday afternoon he explained:

“New York tough means New Nork loving, and I love New York. And I love you. and everything I have ever done has been motivated by that love. And I would never want to be unhelpful in any way. And I think that given the circumstances, the best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to governing. And that’s what I will do. Because I work for you. And doing the right thing is doing the right thing for you. Because as we say, it’s not about me, it’s about we. Kathy Hochul, my lieutenant governor is smart and competent. This transition must be seamless. We have a lot going on. I’m very worried about the delta variant, And so should you be. but she can come up to speed quickly and my resignation will be effective in 14 days.” 

Cuomo’s surprise announcement came exactly a week after the New York Attorney General’s office issued a report that laid out sexual harassment allegations from 11 women. The NY Assembly was pursuing an impeachment investigation. Cuomo had been defiant, but he eventually yielded to political pressure as a slew of high-profile democrats, including President Joe Biden, called for his ouster.

Cuomo’s resignation marks the end of a tumultuous year and a half for the governor. He was an early hero of the pandemic as he soothed New Yorkers with daily press conferences. As his popularity soared, there was speculation that he’d be a late contender in the 2020 presidential election. But his image steadily deteriorated over the last year, as his administration was criticized for fostering a toxic work environment and failing to protect residents of nursing homes from COVID-19.

Hochul will be the first female governor in New York history.

*This is a developing story. Check back for details.