Rep. Duncan D. Hunter, the controversial Republican congressman from California's 50th District, has announced his resignation today.
"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 said in a statement.
Rep. Hunter was found guilty of misusing his campaign funds for personal expenses. Under United States law, funds from candidate's campaigns may only be used for purposes related to their political campaign. The FEC has listed a strict guidelineRep on what exactly campaign funds can be used for.
The House Puts Hunter on Notice
The announcement of his resignation comes after the House Ethics Committee sent him a letter that advised him to avoid from "voting on any question at a meeting of the House or of the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union,"
The letter also warned him that he would face disciplinary action should he try to vote.
"...we emphasize in the strongest possible terms that if you violate the clear principles of this provision - this is, for example, by voting in the House - you risk subjecting yourself to action by this Committee, and by the House, in addition to any other disciplinary action that may be initiated in connection with your criminal conviction" the letter says.
The decision by the House Ethics Committee to refrain him from voting on any matters are a consequence of House rules that state that any member convicted of a crime of at least two years should refrain from casting their vote in Congressional matters. After entering a plea deal, he is expecting to face up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000. His sentencing is scheduled to start on March 17, 2020.
Not the right time
While Rep. Hunter's resignation closes almost three years of investigations into his misuse of campaign funds, some are suspicious of the timing.
Former San Diego City Councilman Carl DeMaio, a Republican who is seeking to replace Rep. Hunter, finds the timing oddly suspicious as his resignation is past the deadline wherein special elections may be called.
"By intentionally delaying his resignation past the deadline for the calling of a special election, Congressman Duncan Hunter is silencing the voice of the voters of the 50th District for a full year in Congress," DeMaio said.
Duncan D Hunter's Background
Duncan D. Hunter, who is turning 43 today, was first elected in 2008, representing California's 52nd district for two terms. His district's borders were adjusted and was renumbered as the 50th. He continued to serve as the district's representative until his eventual resignation.
Prior to being elected to Congress, he served in the United States Marine Corps, where he saw action during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He was also deployed to Afghanistan in 2007, and attained the rank of Major in 2012.
His father, Duncan Hunter, was also a member of Congress whose seat was eventually succeeded by the younger Hunter.
