North Dakota Lt. Gov. Sanford resigns; Gov. Burgum to appoint successor

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford says he will resign Jan. 2, 2023, citing a desire to return to private sector and focus on his family and career. Gov. Doug Burgum says 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. The 50-year-old Sanford is a Watford City native who had been mayor of the before being selected by Burgum to be his running mate in 2016. He is an automobile dealership owner and a certified public accountant.