Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) announced on Friday that he would be resigning from Congress shortly after the holidays. The expected announcement comes days after Hunter pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge of misusing campaign funds. Hunter's wife and former campaign treasurer, Margaret, pleaded guilty for her part in the conspiracy back in June.
“Shortly after the Holidays I will resign from Congress," Hunter said in a statement. "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."
In an interview with KUSI’s Steve Bosh, Hunter said he was taking a plea bargain for the sake of his three children. "I think it's important not to have a public trial for three reasons," Hunter said. "And those three reasons are my kids." Hunter's trial was originally scheduled for January 22, 2020.
Hunter and his wife were indicted in August 2018 for allegedly using more than $250,000 in campaign contributions for personal use, which included things like family vacations, oral surgery and private school for their children. Court filings also suggested that Hunter may have used contributions to help fund his extramarital affairs.
Predicting the embattled congressman would be unable to weather the political storm, former GOP Representative Darrel Issa announced in September that he would be running for Hunter's seat.
#KUSINews Exclusive: Congressman Duncan D. Hunter (@Rep_Hunter) announces that he will plead guilty to one count of misuse of campaign funds.
— KUSI News (@KUSINews) December 2, 2019
Full Interview: https://t.co/Me55QGHNoZ pic.twitter.com/tZsRcZjO2C