In his written apology, Northam said he would heal the damage his past conduct had caused.

“This behavior is not in keeping with who I am today and the values I have fought for throughout my career in the military, in medicine, and in public service. But I want to be clear, I understand how this decision shakes Virginians’ faith in that commitment.

“I recognize that it will take time and serious effort to heal the damage this conduct has caused. I am ready to do that important work. The first step is to offer my sincerest apology and to state my absolute commitment to living up to the expectations Virginians set for me when they elected me to be their governor.”

Last month, Florida’s secretary of state, Michael Ertel, resigned after photos emerged of him posing as a Hurricane Katrina victim in blackface 14 years ago, the Tallahassee Democrat reported.

Jack Wilson, chairman of the state GOP, said in a statement Friday afternoon, "Racism has no place in Virginia," and the "pictures are wholly inappropriate."

Wilson said: "If Governor Northam appeared in blackface or dressed in a KKK robe, he should resign immediately."