Minutes after Governor Spitzer announced his resignation, Mayor Bloomberg reacted to the news with sympathy for the governor, expressed confidence in his replacement, and rejected the idea that he might run for the state’s highest office.

“My thoughts are with the governor and his family at this difficult time and I think what we have to do now is to move forward,” Mr. Bloomberg said today at a press conference in Brooklyn. “The state has to have an effective government and they will be effective.”

The governor did not call the mayor to inform him of his decision, Mr. Bloomberg said. Asked whether Mr. Spitzer should face jail time for his alleged involvement in a prostitution ring, Mr. Bloomberg said, “that’s up to the legal authorities.”

The mayor had kind words for the lieutenant governor, David Paterson, who will assume the governorship on Monday.

“I think he understands the responsibilities of the office and he will work very hard,” Mr. Bloomberg said. “He’s somebody that everybody says nothing but nice things about, and I think he can pull this state together and carry it through what’s obviously a very difficult period for all of us.”

The mayor appeared upbeat addressing reporters, cracking a large smile when asked about a poll showing many New Yorkers would like him to remain in public service after his term expires. With Albany in turmoil, speculation has increased that he may run for governor. The mayor, however, denied harboring such ambitions.

“I have no interest in running for governor. I’ve said that repeatedly,” he said.