The resignation of embattled Rep. Michael Grimm went into effect Monday, just weeks after the Republican pleaded guilty to a tax evasion charge, admitting to hiding more than $900,000 of income. NY1's Amanda Farinacci filed the following report.


His office is still open for constituent services, but if you were hoping for the chance to meet with Rep. Michael Grimm in person, it's too late. The embattled Republican's last day in office came Monday.


Now, the 11th congressional district, which includes Staten Island and a few Brooklyn neighborhoods, is without representation.


"We need somebody to be here for the people," said one person in the district.


Grimm had been insisting he was innocent of the 20 charges against him, but last month, he pleaded guilty to tax fraud charge in connection to a health food restaurant he owned.
He announced his resignation last week, just shy of two months after winning re-election and despite a promise that he would stay in office after making his guilty plea.


While Staten Islanders NY1 spoke with said they don't disagree with Grimm's decision to step down, some said they still believe he got a raw deal.


"Sheldon Silver. Another dirt bag. Why is he still in office?" said one constituent. "This guy was political attack against this guy. I'm not saying he shouldn't have resigned, but those people should have resigned, too."


A special election will determine who replaces Grimm, but unlike a general election, there won't be a primary. Instead, county parties choose one candidate each.


Staten Island District Attorney Daniel Donovan seems to have earned the lion's share of Republican support, though state Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis is also interested.


For Democrats, former Rep. Michael McMahon has shown interest, though state Assemblyman Michael Cusick could be the favorite.


"When there is no formidable Republican candidate running, n a year that I think really helps, it's definitely a Republican year, I think the city mood, the mood against de Blasio, the sort of Obama fatigue, all of that will push against a Democratic candidate," said Richard Flanagan of the College of Staten Island.


Governor Andrew Cuomo is charged with announcing a date for a special election. The Constitution requires that it's held within 70 to 80 days of that announcement.