Republican Mike Hunter has resigned from his post as attorney general for the state of Oklahoma after a local newspaper questioned him about an extramarital affair with a state employee.
After confirming the affair through individuals familiar with the situation, The Oklahoman questioned the Republican on Tuesday night. He responded by announcing his resignation.
“It has been a distinct and absolute privilege of a lifetime to serve as the state’s attorney general,” Hunter said Wednesday in a statement. “Regrettably, certain personal matters that are becoming public will become a distraction for this office. 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.”
Hunter filed for divorce from his wife of 39 years last week, according to the newspaper.
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His wife, attorney Cheryl Hunter, told The Oklahoman that she was heartbroken: “My priorities are to take care of my sons, my daughter-in-law, my grandson and my parents.”
After being appointed attorney general by former Gov. Mary Fallin to fill the unexpired term of Scott Pruitt, Hunter was elected to a full term in 2018 and had planned to seek re-election next year.
