New York Governor Cuomo resigns over sexual harassment allegations

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo continued to defend himself from what he said were ``unfair'' and ``untruthful'' sexual harassment allegations, even as he announced he would resign from office.

But the 63 year old Democrat said he realized he would lose his fight to remain in power and would step aside out of his love for the state and its people.

Cuomo made the resignation announcement Tuesday in a speech to the public.

He said ``wasting energy on distractions is the last thing that state government should be doing. And I cannot be the cause of that.''

White House press secretary Jen Psaki says U-S President Joe Biden made clear last week that Cuomo should step down.

She says Biden has yet to speak to Kathy Hochul, who will take over in two weeks.

Psaki says the administration looks forward to working with her.