New Jersey governor resigns, admits having gay affair

With his wife Dina standing by his side, McGreevey, 47, told a packed press conference: "My truth is that I am a gay American."

McGreevey, a Catholic, said he had decided to publicly acknowledge his homosexuality after engaging in an "adult consensual affair" with another man.

"It was wrong. It was foolish. It was inexcusable. And for this, I ask the forgiveness and the grace of my wife," he said.

"Given the circumstances surrounding the affair, and its likely impact upon my family and my ability to govern, I have decided the right course of action is to resign," he said.