After a lengthy investigation, Cuomo has stepped down.

On Tuesday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo gave a 22-minute televised speech that culminated in a major announcement: he is formally resigning from his position. Cuomo’s resignation comes amid a series of scandals and investigations centered around numerous accusations of sexual harassment by female coworkers and colleagues.

“I think that given the circumstances, the best way I can help now is if I step aside,” Cuomo said during his speech.

“This is one of the most challenging times for government in a generation,” he continued. “Government really needs to function today, government needs to perform. It is a matter of life and death.”

“Wasting energy on distractions is the last thing [the] state government should be doing.”

Cuomo added that any efforts on his part to fight an impeachment proceeding “will cost the taxpayers millions of dollars” and “brutalize people.”

Cuomo claimed that he did not realize his conduct was being interpreted as sexual in nature. “In my mind, I’ve never crossed the line with anyone,” he said. “But I didn’t realize the extent to which the line has been redrawn.”

“There are generational and cultural shifts that I just didn’t fully appreciate,” he added. “And I should have – no excuses.”

Cuomo will remain acting governor for the next two weeks, after which he will officially be succeeded by Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. Hochul will be the first female governor in the history of New York state.

“I agree with Governor Cuomo’s decision to step down. It is the right thing to do and in the best interest of New Yorkers,” said Hochul. “As someone who has served at all levels of government and is next in the line of succession, I am prepared to lead as New York State’s 57th Governor.”