Embattled Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday he will resign, clearing the way for his lieutenant governor, Kathy Hochul, to become the state's first female governor. It's also welcome news for national Democrats ahead of the 2022 gubernatorial contest.
Cuomo's surprise move amid allegations of sexual harassment and improper touching from 11 women came at the end of a truly bizarre, lengthy video statement, the outset of which had the three-term governor continuing to take a defiant posture and, once again, try and explain away that sometimes he's just a friendly guy who touches people and uses terms of endearment out of affection without any nefarious purpose. An appearance from his personal attorney preceded the governor's remarks, with Rita Glavin attempting to discredit and pick apart the independent investigation ordered by Attorney General Leticia James. Cuomo could still face legal charges, so leaving office doesn't fully absolve him.
National Democrats have to be pleased with the speed at which Cuomo did abdicate, especially following a similarly combative press statement last week when the report came out. We
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