San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis Announces Resignation

San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis has announced she is resigning to explore the possibility of running for a Board of Supervisors seat, NBC 7 learned Thursday.

The chief prosecutor, who started her career as a clerk typist, said her last day as DA would be Friday, July 7.

Describing the move as a difficult decision, Dumanis said she is resigning so she can explore the potential of running for a seat on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.

Dumanis confirmed to NBC 7 that she has been dealing with some health issues, but said she is currently in good health.

"A lot of people have asked me about my health," Dumanis said. "I did have a bout of breast cancer that was early detected. I had some radiation, had it removed and I am a cancer survivor, cancer free. I'm getting checked up regularly and I'm ready for a lot more years."

She affirmed that her battle with cancer did not play a role in her resignation.

"I'm not leaving because of that," Dumanis added. "I'm leaving because I want to explore other options, including the Board of Supervisors, and I don't want to distract from the important work the DA's office."

Dumanis led the DA's office for 14 years and attempted a run for San Diego mayor. She has also served as a municipal court judge and a superior court judge.

Here is the full text of the letter sent to employees Thursday:

"As you know, I am not seeking re-election and therefore, my time as San Diego County District Attorney is coming to an end. Since I first announced my intentions to you in January, many of you have been asking about my future plans. As I have weighed that future, among the many things I have been encouraged to consider is a run for San Diego County Board of Supervisors.

To be clear, I have not decided if I will be a candidate or not. I believe my experience, and the critical role that the Board plays in public safety and policy issues, would make me an effective member. However, I do not want to create any conflict with, or distraction from the important work of the District Attorney’s Office. Therefore, I feel it’s appropriate for me to resign at this time as I explore my potential candidacy.

As you can imagine, having spent 30 years of my life in this office, this has been a difficult decision. I’ve spent 43 years in public life and it has been my honor to work on behalf of San Diegans rising from an entry-level Clerk Typist, to Investigative Assistant, Deputy District Attorney, Juvenile Court Referee, Municipal Court Judge, Superior Court Judge and elected District Attorney.

As I have considered the choices before me, I have decided my last day on the job will be Friday, July 7, 2017.

As you have heard me say many times before, serving as District Attorney has been an absolute privilege and one of the highest honors of my professional life. Working as DA alongside an incredibly talented group of professionals for nearly 15 years to deliver justice to the people of San Diego has been a richly rewarding experience. Each and every one of you has contributed to public safety in our County and collectively, your dedication continues to make this office among the best in the nation. Together, we have been leaders in change and a voice of justice for so many. I’m very proud of the unparalleled crime prevention and public outreach programs we’ve put in place and your unwavering commitment to supporting victims of crime.

It has not been an easy decision to close this chapter of my career as District Attorney. But knowing I have served with some of the most skilled professionals in the country makes me proud of what we've accomplished together. I believe the office is stronger than it was 14 years ago, that together we've made a difference in the lives of countless crime victims, and that you will no doubt continue to accomplish great things in the years to come."

Check back for updates on this developing story.

NBC 7’s Catherine Garcia speaks with District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis about the cutting-edge DNA science used to solve a 25-year-old cold case in this week’s edition of Law and Order.
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