“I’m sorry,” said Governor Andrew Cuomo. "I am sorry for whatever pain I caused anyone.”

Now the question is, can an apology save Andrew Cuomo’s political career? 

What You Need To Know

  • On Wednesday, Cuomo appeared in public for the first time since sexual harassment allegations came out more than a week ago

  • The state's top leader in the senate said Cuomo would have to leave office if he touched someone inappropriately

  • The attorney general's office will lead an independent investigation into sexual harassment allegations against the governor

It’s too soon to tell. 

“The apology is important. I think people need to hear that he knows what happened made people feel, yes, uncomfortable,” said Senator Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins during an interview on CNN.  

For days, the list of lawmakers calling for the impeachment or the resignation of the governor has been growing.

The question now is: did the apology on Wednesday at least buy the governor some time?

One top leader is waiting for the outcome of the investigation. 

“If we come to the point where the investigation shows there was inappropriate touching, I think it would be very clear that he would have to walk away,” said Stewart-Cousins. 

Earlier in day, more politicians were calling for the governor to step aside. 

“We should have the highest expectation of our public servants and when they do not meet that high expectation they should leave office immediately,” said mayoral candidate Maya Wiley, joining a chorus of other officials. 

Those that already wanted Cuomo to step down were not impressed by his attempt to make amends. 

“It was a master class in gaslighting,” said State Sen. Gustavo Rivera. "It changes nothing. His deeply toxic style of leadership does not lead to good governance. I have known this for a long time."

That included critics on both sides of the aisle, bringing together some unlikely foes in solidarity. 

Take the state GOP Chairman Nick Langworthy: “He has shown hypocrisy in this whole thing. He challenged Judge Kavanaugh that he should strap a lie detector test on. But the governor wants a different standard for himself.”

And then progressive Queens Senator Jessica Ramos: “When Governor Cuomo called for Brett Kavanaugh to be put through a lie detector test. You can’t create a certain standard for other people and not apply it to yourself.”

That said, it's unclear if the governor’s alleged contrition will stop the cavalry. It doesn’t sound like those against him are looking to change their minds.