Thread: Rep. Duncan Hunter resigns from Congress

Rep. Duncan Hunter resigns from Congress

The California Republican pleaded guilty to conspiracy to misuse campaign funds last month.



Rep. Duncan Hunter. | Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images

By MELANIE ZANONA
01/07/2020 04:43 PM EST
Updated: 01/07/2020 05:43 PM EST

Rep. Duncan Hunter will officially step down from Congress next week, more than a month after the California Republican pleaded guilty to conspiracy to misuse campaign funds.

Hunter had previously said he would leave Congress after the holidays. His resignation will take effect Jan. 13, according to a copy of the letter he sent to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Tuesday.

“Perhaps the contribution I am most proud of is giving a voice to our men and women in uniform,” wrote Hunter, a Marine Corps veteran. “It has been an honor to serve the people of California’s 50th district, and I greatly appreciate the trust they have put in me over these last 11 years.”

Hunter, 43, and his wife Margaret were indicted in August 2018 for allegedly diverting $250,000 in campaign funds for personal use, including to pay for lavish family vacations and their children’s school tuition. Prosecutors also accused Hunter of using campaign cash to pursue extramarital affairs with lobbyists and congressional aides.

The Hunters, who have three children, face recommended prison sentences of 8 to 14 months in the agreements worked out by their lawyers and the Justice Department, although the court is not bound to abide by those plea deals. Hunter is set to be sentenced on March 17.

The legal cloud that has hung over Hunter has prompted other Republicans to seek his seat in the solidly conservative district in Southern California. Both former San Diego City Councilman Carl DeMaio and former Rep. Darrell Issa are running for the seat, and Issa said he jumped into the race under the assumption that Hunter would not be on the ballot next November. Democrats are also heavily targeting the district.

Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) does not have to call a special election because the nomination period has closed and it’s an election year, raising the prospect that the seat could remain vacant for the rest of 2020.

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/0...ongress-095725

Wow! Really sorry to hear this. Looks like we must remove Rep. Hunter from our Endorsements page at. ..

https://www.alipac.us/campaign/

8/23/2018

California congressman and wife face arraignment on charges

Former Rep. Hunter sentenced to 11 months in prison

Former Rep. Duncan Hunter was sentenced Monday for his admitted role in a criminal conspiracy to illegally use his campaign money for personal purposes.
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