Still defiant on Tuesday in the wake of a state attorney general's report that said he had sexually harassed current and former female state employees, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced his intention to resign effective Aug. 24.
"My lawyers have reviewed the report over the past several days and have already raised serious issues and flaws that should concern all New Yorkers, because when there is a bias or lack of fairness in the justice system, it is a concern for everyone, not just those immediately effected," he said in a news conference Tuesday morning. "The most serious allegations against me had no credible factual basis in the report, and there is a difference between alleged improper conduct and concluding sexual harassment."
The governor had found himself increasingly isolated, with calls to resign coming from all sides after State Attorney General Letitia James announced the results last week of an independent investigation into allegations of sexual harassment from 11 women.
While the governor maintains that the allegations are false, he said, "that is not to say that there are not 11 women who I truly offended . . . and for that I deeply apologize."
Nevertheless, he said, "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'll do."
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul will be sworn in as his replacement.
Based on a few meetings with her in the past, East Hampton Town Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc described Ms. Hochul on Monday as "very approachable," and said "she has a really solid understanding about the role of government. Having served on a town board herself, and then as a county clerk, and worked her way up, spending time in Congress, she has that type of background where public service is at the top of her resume."
Last week, as it began to look likely that the lieutenant governor would spend at least some time in the governor's seat, Judith Hope, a former East Hampton supervisor and New York State Democratic Committee chairwoman, praised Ms. Hochul on Facebook, saying "she may be the hardest working Lt. Governor New York State has ever had!"
Ms. Hochul has reportedly said she would run to keep the seat should she become governor.
Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr., who last week called for his colleagues in the State Legislature to begin impeachment proceedings against Governor Cuomo, issued a statement saying the governor's decision was the right one.
"Today's announcement sends a clear message to the people of the State of New York that no one is above the law," Mr. Thiele said. "As I have previously stated, sexual harassment and assault has no place in any work environment, especially not in the highest office of New York State government. I believe the brave women who spoke up and admire their courage. I look forward to working with Kathy Hochul as she assumes the office of governor on matters of concern to Long Island and all of New York during these very perilous times."
After the governor's announcement on Tuesday, the presumptive Republican and Conservative nominee, Representative Lee Zeldin of the First Congressional District on Long Island, sought to tie Ms. Hochul more closely to Mr. Cuomo, accusing her of having "empowered this disgusting behavior" and having "been silent scandal after scandal."
The problem, he said, is that "one-party Democrat rule enables this type of malign behavior."
Governor Cuomo's announcement, he said, "is a clear indication he is resigning to skirt all repercussions for his actions as opposed to accounting for his misconduct. He knows he would be impeached. He knows he would be voted out of office. Andrew Cuomo broke the law and criminal repercussions must follow, despite him no longer serving in public office."
With Reporting by Christopher Walsh
