Alaska’s lieutenant governor resigns over ‘inappropriate comments’

Alaska Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott (D) abruptly resigned Tuesday following the discovery of unspecified “inappropriate comments.”

“It is with profound disappointment and sadness that I accepted the resignation of Lieutenant Governor Byron Mallott,” Alaska Gov. Bill Walker (I) said in a statement.

“Byron recently made inappropriate comments that do not reflect the sterling level of behavior required in his role as Lieutenant Governor,” Walker wrote. “I learned of the incident last night. Byron has taken full responsibility for his actions and has resigned.”

Alaska’s Lt. Gov @LtGovMallott resigns, effective immediately, with a release from @AkGovBillWalker citing “inappropriate comments” but no elaboration. This comes amid Gov’s re-election campaign and one of the most important political conferences, AFN, are happening. pic.twitter.com/cMOzN9zCdx

— Zachariah Hughes (@ZachHughesAK) October 16, 2018

Valerie Davidson was sworn into office Tuesday to replace Mallott, according to information released by Walker. 

{mosads}Mallott’s name will still appear on the ballot alongside Walker’s in the November midterms. Still, Mallott does not plan to take on the position.

“Though [Mallott] cannot remove his name from the ballot, he will not accept the position of Lieutenant Governor if elected,” a statement from Walker’s campaign read.

It was not immediately clear what comments led to Mallott’s resignation, which comes as Walker faces a difficult reelection race.

In a resignation letter reported by local NBC affiliate KTUU, Mallot referred to “inappropriate comments I made that placed a person whom I respect and revere in a position of vulnerability.”

Republican state Sen. Mike Dunleavy and Democrat Mark Begich are challenging Walker, who is seeking a second term as governor in next month’s election.

Updated: 8:10 p.m.