BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford says he will resign Jan. 2, 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 named Tammy Miller, his chief operating officer, as Sanford’s replacement. Miller left her post as CEO of Border States Electric to join Burgum’s office in 2019.

The 50-year-old Sanford is a Watford City native who had been Mayor before being selected by Burgum to be his running mate in 2016. He is an automobile dealership owner and a certified public accountant.