BREAKING: New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo Resigns

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, will serve the rest of his term when the resignation becomes effective in 14 days and will be the state’s first female governor.

Though Cuomo, 63, apologized to his accusers, he made it clear he did not believe he stepped over a red line requiring removal from office. Instead, he framed his decision as one necessary to avoid protracted argument and divisiveness that would draw the state’s government to a halt.

“It is a matter of life and death,” he said, referring to the immediate need to combat Covid. “Government operations and wasting energy on distraction is the last thing government should be. I cannot be the cause. New York tough means New York loving. And I love New York and I love you. Everything I have ever done has been motivated by that love and I would never want to be unhelpful in any way.”

Speaking to his three daughters, Cuomo said, “I want them to know from the bottom of my heart that I never did and I never would intentionally disrespect a woman, treat any woman differently than I would want them treated, and that is the God’s honest truth.”

“Your dad made mistakes. And he apologized, and he learned from it and that’s what life is all about.”

Andrew Cuomo, on Tuesday, apologized for his behavior, thanked the women who came forward but insisted that he did not intend to harass any of his accusers.

“I do hug and kiss people casually, women and men. I have done it all my life. It’s who I’ve been since I can remember,” Andrew Cuomo said. “In my mind, I’ve never crossed the line with anyone, but I didn’t realize the extent to which the line has been redrawn. There are generational and cultural shifts that I just didn’t fully appreciate.”

Infoexpert24 understands that Cuomo’s resignation caps a remarkable fall from grace for the third-term governor, who was riding high in public opinion polls last year after his public briefings about the coronavirus pandemic in his hard-hit state were lauded.