Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt’s chief of staff resigns

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt’s chief of staff has announced his resignation, according to the governor.

Stitt announced Wednesday that Chief of Staff Bond Payne would resign effective Friday.

Stitt said Payne committed to serving as chief of staff for two years when he was named to the post two years ago.

Stitt, a Republican, said the search for a new chief of staff began in April and that Deputy Chief of Staff Zachary Lee will serve as interim chief of staff.

Payne is the third top-ranking official to resign in recent weeks, following Department of Human Services Director Justin Brown and Secretary of Energy and Environment Ken Wagner.

Stitt is seeking re-election against Democrat Joy Hofmeister, independent Ervin Yen and Libertarian Natalie Bruno.