BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford announced Tuesday he will resign Jan. 2, citing a desire to return to the private sector and focus on his family and career.
Gov. Doug Burgum, in a statement, said Sanford "has made a positive impact on North Dakota's citizens, economy and communities far and wide."
Burgum will appoint a successor to serve the remaining two years of Sanford's term Tuesday afternoon.
Sanford, 50, is a Watford City native who had been mayor of the oil patch city before being selected by Burgum to be his running mate in 2016. He is a third-generation automobile dealership owner and a certified public accountant.
Sanford, North Dakota's 38th lieutenant governor, also served as president of the Senate in that role.
