(AP) - New York Gov. David Paterson has officially ended his election bid.

At a news conference in New York City on Friday, Paterson citedan accumulation of distractions, but said he had never abused hisoffice. He says he is "being realistic about politics" and sayshe never abused his office, "not now, not ever."

Paterson formally announced his campaign last weekend but hadfaced mounting calls to drop out of the race.

He has been unable to weather harsh criticism of his handling ofa domestic violence case involving a trusted aide.

Paterson became governor in 2008, when former Gov. Eliot Spitzerresigned in a prostitution scandal.

His decision paves the way for popular Attorney General AndrewCuomo to run for the Democratic nomination for governor.