Cuomo, 63, said he was motivated to step down to avoid months of distraction for the state, which is continuing to deal with the Covid pandemic, from an all-but-certain impeachment of him over allegations he sexually harassed at least 11 women.

“Given the circumstances, the best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to government,” Cuomo said.

“And therefore that is what I’ll do, because I work for you, and doing the right thing, is doing the right thing for you.”