An Irish-American will become the first woman to lead the state of New York in its 233-year history.
Kathy Hochul, the state's lieutenant governor, will take on the role of governor following Andrew Cuomo's resignation.
Mr Cuomo stood down after a series of sexual misconduct accusations.
Ms Hochul, a former Democratic congresswoman who has served as lieutenant governor since 2015, will take over from Mr Cuomo until his term in office ends in December 2022.
She will become the first Irish-American to hold the position of governor of New York since Hugh Carey, one of several high-profile Irish-American politicians who supported the Northern Ireland peace process.
Ms Hochul's paternal grandparents emigrated to the US from Kerry a century ago.
The 62-year-old frequently references her Irish heritage.
Celebrating St Patrick's Day in 2019, she posted to Twitter: "My grandparents immigrated from Ireland - the lessons they passed on to me inspired my life in public service. I have always been proud of my Irish heritage and history."
In a post for St Patrick's Day this year, Ms Hochul said: "Like millions of immigrants before and after them, [my grandparents] suffered hardship but ultimately they lived the American dream.
"Looking back, I realised they had a profound impact on my decision to enter public service.
"I will say like all good Irishmen and Irishwomen, I love a good fight," she said. "Especially if it's for the people of my beloved state.
"We have poetry in our hearts, but we are scrappy. We know how to survive adversity... and we love the underdog. Because the Irish have been underestimated throughout our history."
Ms Hochul was born in the western New York city of Buffalo in 1958.
A lawyer, Ms Hochul worked for Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan - part of a powerful Irish-American political lobby along with Senator Edward Kennedy, House Speaker ‘Tip’ O’Neill and Hugh Carey.
Ms Hochul said she agreed with Mr Cuomo's decision to step down.
"It is the right thing to do and in the best interest of New Yorkers," she said.
"As someone who has served at all levels of government and is next in the line of succession, I am prepared to lead as New York State's 57th Governor."
She is expected to formally become governor in the coming weeks.
