Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter announced his resignation on Wednesday for undisclosed reasons, citing "certain personal matters that are becoming public will become a distraction for this office."
Hunter, 64, is a Republican who was appointed by former Governor Mary Fallin to replace Scott Pruitt.
In February 2017, Pruitt resigned as Oklahoma Attorney General to work for former President Donald Trump's administration and lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Though Hunter did not go into details, KFOR reported his surprise announcement may be due to his divorce from his wife of 39 years as a result of an extramarital affair with a state employee.
You can watch KFOR's coverage of Hunter's resignation, here:
Hunter said his resignation as Attorney General will be effective June 1.
He also said in his statement:
"The office of attorney general is one of the most important positions in state government."
"I cannot allow a personal issue to overshadow the vital work the attorneys, agents, and support staff do on behalf of Oklahomans."
Last week Hunter filed for divorce in Oklahoma County District Court, alleging the grounds for separating were due to "complete and irreconcilable incompatibility" between him and his wife.
Sources confirmed to The Oklahoman Hunter had an affair with a state employee who did not work in the Attorney General's office.
When asked about the affair, the unnamed state employee said:
"I will not comment on what should be a private matter."
According to the media outlet, she also filed for divorce from her husband of 25 years in April.
In December, Hunter aided in Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results by joining 16 other states in signing a brief in support of the Texas Attorney General's lawsuit against four states won by President Joe Biden.
The suit alleged Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan and Wisconsin were in violation of the Electors Clause and the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
It also claimed the states contradicted "fundamental principles of ballot security. "
Governor Kevin Stitt will appoint Hunter's replacement but it is unclear whom Stitt will choose to replace him.
Said Stitt about Hunter stepping down:
"I respect his decision to do what he thinks is best for his office and the state of Oklahoma."
"I know he is going through a difficult time and I wish him, his family, and the employees of his office well."
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