Here in New York, Kathy Hochul was sworn in as New York’s first woman governor early Tuesday, just after outgoing Governor Andrew Cuomo’s resignation took effect at the stroke of midnight. Cuomo announced his resignation two weeks ago, after New York Attorney General Letitia James released a damning report finding he sexually harassed at least 11 women. Cuomo released a recorded video statement Monday in which he portrayed himself as the victim of a smear campaign orchestrated by his political rivals.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo: “You know me. I am a fighter. And my instinct is to fight this because it is unfair and unjust, in my mind.”

Cuomo said he was resigning not because he was guilty, but to prevent “governmental paralysis.” Former aide Charlotte Bennett, who says Cuomo repeatedly made inappropriate comments to her, told Spectrum News she was disappointed Cuomo refused to admit to sexual harassment.

Charlotte Bennett: “He didn’t take responsibility for his actions. He really — you know, his resignation said it all, right? He really was defending himself until the last second.”

Cuomo could still face criminal and civil charges, and he’s under investigation for covering up thousands of COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes early in the pandemic.