Cuomo's Last Day: Gov. Leaves Office Monday After Scandal

NEW YORK CITY — The moving vans from the Governor's Mansion are packed. An historic replacement is waiting in the wings. Long-time New York City rivals are saying good riddance.

Andrew Cuomo's last day as New York's governor ends Monday at the stroke of midnight when Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul becomes the first woman to lead the Empire State.

The once-lauded, often-feared and — at times during the coronavirus pandemic — seemingly all-powerful governor is still fighting sexual harassment accusations that prompted his downfall. But Cuomo's continued fight won't stop the departure from the position he held for three terms.

"I think given the circumstances the best way I can help now is I step aside and let government get back to government," he said during his resignation speech. "And therefore, that's what I'll do."

What Cuomo's departure means for New York City is still an open question.

Mayor Bill de Blasio — who sparred with Cuomo over all matters great and small — expressed hope that the city can achieve something of a reset with Hochul. Cuomo, in de Blasio's telling, too often let petty reasons get in the way of good policy.

Beyond the spats between mayor and governor, Cuomo also leaves behind an assortment of massive infrastructure projects. From a LaGuardia Airtrain to a Midtown redevelopment to congestion pricing in Manhattan, they all now have an uncertain future.

Cuomo himself is unlikely to fully shrink from the spotlight. His personal attorney Rita Glavin on Friday spent roughly 30 minutes disputing accusations of sexual harassment against the governor — a presentation that prompted Attorney General Letitia James, who led the inquiry against Cuomo, to issue a firm statement through a spokesperson.

“Given the multiple, ongoing criminal investigations into the governor’s conduct, it would not be appropriate to respond further to these baseless attacks," the statement read. "The 168-page report and additional 486 pages of exhibits clearly corroborate the experiences of the complainants, yet the governor and his aides continue to undermine those who seek to expose this dangerous conduct.

“We cannot allow survivors of sexual harassment to be further traumatized by these continued attacks, lies, and conspiracy theories.”

Cuomo has yet to schedule a farewell address.