New York’s Lieutenant Governor resigned on Tuesday following his indictment in an alleged bribery scheme.

The New York Times reported this week that the five-count indictment, which includes charges of bribery and fraud, alleges that Mr. Benjamin conspired to direct $50,000 in state funds to a Harlem real estate developer’s charity while he was a state senator. In exchange, the developer allegedly gathered thousands of dollars in illegal contributions to Mr. Benjamin’s 2020 Senate campaign and his unsuccessful 2021 bid for New York City comptroller.

The New York Times further reported that Benjamin is accused of offering to help the developer, Gerald Migdol, obtain a zoning variance if he made a $15,000 donation to a separate fund for State Senate Democrats. The developer was arrested on federal charges in November and pleaded not guilty at the time.

“This is a simple story of corruption,” said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams.

Benjamin pleaded not guilty on Tuesday.

“I have accepted Brian Benjamin’s resignation effective immediately,” Hochul said in a statement. “While the legal process plays out, it is clear to both of us that he cannot continue to serve as Lieutenant Governor. New Yorkers deserve absolute confidence in their government, and I will continue working every day to deliver for them.”

Under our legal system, Mr. Benjamin enjoys the presumption of innocence and he will have his day in court. It’s unfortunate that we’re only seven months into a new administration and pandemic-weary New Yorkers have to, yet again, grapple with another scandal within our state government.

It complicates Gov. Hochul’s strategy for reelection. Herself a former lieutenant governor, she assumed office in the wake of Andrew Cuomo’s scandals with the promise of restoring trust and confidence to the governor’s office.

Putting Mr. Benjamin on the ticket without a deeper and more comprehensive vetting process is a mistake that could have been avoided. It’s a mistake that Hochul’s political opponents will undoubtedly use to their own advantage.