See It: Cuomo's Farewell As He Steps Down As Governor

NEW YORK CITY — Gov. Andrew Cuomo once appeared untouchable atop New York's government.

But on Monday, the embattled governor prepared to leave the office he held for three terms.

Cuomo marked his pending departure with 15-minute farewell address that vacillated between touting his "progressive" accomplishments, needling New York City's leaders and open defiance toward the sexual harassment accusations that led to his downfall.

"I want you to know, from the bottom of my heart, that every day I worked my hardest, I gave it my all and I tried my best to deliver for you and that is the God’s honest truth,” Cuomo said.

Few would argue that being governor consumed and defined Cuomo's personality.

Cuomo's power reached its height during the coronavirus pandemic, as his daily briefings became must-see-TV for Americans starved for at least the appearance of competence.

His emergency powers gave him broad latitude to significantly shape the daily lives of New York City residents through a long spate of closures, curfews and other measures.

But Cuomo's once-unassailable came amid a swirl of scandals, from his administration's handling of nursing homes during the pandemic to a growing number of sexual harassment accusations against him.

Cuomo slammed a 165-page Attorney General's report that found he sexually harassed 11 women — and ultimately led to his resignation. He called it a "political firecracker" that caused a stampede.

"There will be another time to talk about the truth and ethics of the recent situation involving me,” he said.

Beyond Cuomo's continued defiance toward the report, he spent time touting what he called his "progressive" legacy on issues such as gay marriage. He also highlighted projects at LaGuardia and JFK airports, as well as Penn Station, that he said must be completed.

But he also broke with his fellow Democrats who called for defunding the police.

“Reforming the police must be the goal,” he said.

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul will step up as she becomes the state's first woman governor, Cuomo said.

He also aimed a backhanded shot at his long-time rival Mayor Bill de Blasio. Democratic mayoral nominee Eric Adams "will be" the next mayor of New York City, he said.

“I think he’ll bring a new philosophy and competence to the position, which can give New York City residents hope for the future,” he said.