NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — It's official.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has formally submitted his retirement application after announcing he would be stepping down in disgrace last week.
The governor’s retirement will kick in Sept. 1, 2021, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s office, which confirmed the reception of the application.
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul is scheduled to take office on Tuesday, Aug. 24, at midnight. Cuomo's term will officially end at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 23.
Cuomo’s resignation follows the damning report into his alleged sexual harassment issued by Attorney general Letitia James. Eleven women in the report accused the governor of harassment in the investigation.
Cuomo has denied the findings, calling the report neither a “full” nor “fair” portrayal of events. After initially fighting the calls to resign, he announced last Tuesday that stepping down would be in the best interest of the state.
“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,” he said at the time. “And therefore, that’s what I’ll do.”
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul is preparing to take Cuomo’s place and is meeting with Mayor Bill de Blasio and other officials in New York City Tuesday.