Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens announced his resignation from the office Tuesday effective Friday, June 1.
Greitens’ announcement comes during a special session of the Missouri House of Representatives to consider his impeachment. Over the past few months, multiple scandals have led to calls for the governor to resign from Republicans and Democrats alike. Lt. Gov. Mike Parson will assume the position of governor when Greitens’ resignation takes effect Friday.
Greitens faced allegations of blackmail and sexual assault following an extramarital affair before he became governor. News of the affair broke in January, and while Greitens admitted to the affair, he has denied any criminal activity. The Associated Press reports a felony invasion of privacy against the governor was dropped last week, but a special prosecutor was appointed to consider refiling the charge and investigate other allegations against the governor.
Greitens is also accused of using a list of donors for a nonprofit he founded, The Mission Continues, to advance his campaign for governor. He also has been criticized for his appointments to the Missouri State Board of Education and has been investigated for his use of a secretive messaging app.
Missouri State Rep. Nate Walker, a Republican from Kirksville, has been calling for Greitens’ resignation since January. He said he thinks Tuesday’s court order for a Greitens-controlled nonprofit to turn over financial records pushed him to resign.
“It’s a sad day in the history of Missouri, but it’s time for us to move forward,” Walker said. “I’m in prayer for him and his family.”