Kathy Hochul to be sworn in as New York's first female governor as Cuomo exits

New York Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul would replace Cuomo as New York Governor until the term ends at the end of 2022.

Hochul would be sworn in shortly after midnight in a brief and private ceremony overseen by Janet DiFiore, chief judge of New York State, according to media reports.

Hochul plans to pick a lawmaker from New York City as the new lieutenant governor, according to a report by New York Times.

Hochul appointed two females as secretary and counsel to the governor on Monday.

"As governor, I will assemble a strong team to turn the corner on the pandemic and serve the best interests of New York, whether it's defeating COVID, getting more people vaccinated, or strengthening our economy," said Hochul.

Hochul's team is accepting applications for her administration and looking for qualified and hardworking individuals, according to a statement on the official website of New York State.

Born in Buffalo, New York, Hochul served as a US House representative from 2011 to 2013 and has been working as New York lieutenant governor since Jan 1, 2015.

"Kathy Hochul will become governor and I believe she will step up to the challenge. We all wish her success," said Cuomo in his farewell speech on Monday.

Cuomo defended himself in the speech saying New York Attorney General Letitia James's investigation report worked as a political firecracker and he is confident that the truth would be out in time.

Cuomo announced his resignation two weeks ago after a report by independent investigators appointed by James concluded that Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women from 2013 to 2020.