Attorney General Mike Hunter Resigns Amid 'Personal Matters'

Oklahoma's top law enforcement officer announced his resignation on Wednesday.  

In a statement, Attorney General Mike Hunter said "personal matters" have rendered him incapable of doing his job.  

Sources confirm to News 9, Attorney General Mike Hunter was engaged in an extramarital affair with a state employee outside of the Attorney General's Office.  

Last week, Hunter filed for divorce from his wife of nearly 40 years citing "complete and irreconcilable incompatibility” which has “completely destroyed the marriage."  

Wednesday, Hunter said 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 was first appointed to the role by Governor Marry Fallin in 2017 to fill the seat left empty by Scott Pruitt. He won a Republican runoff for the seat the following year by fewer than 300 votes and had already raised a quarter-million dollars for reelection in 2022.  

Gov. Kevin Stitt will appoint someone to fill the unexpired term.  

“I respect his decision to do what he thinks is best for his office and the State of Oklahoma,” Stitt said in a statement. “I know he is going through a difficult time, and I wish him, his family, and the employees of his office well.”  

Hunter and Stitt found themselves at odds over the governor's tribal gaming compacts. In 2017, Hunter led the prosecution against the country’s leading opioid manufacturers.  

According to the press release, Hunter plans to leave office June 1.  

“I thank those who entrusted me to fulfill this role and I am very sorry that I will no longer be here," Hunter said.