By Dave Thompson of Prairie Public Radio (PPR)

BISMARCK, N.D. (PPR) – North Dakota State Tax Commissioner Ryan Rauschenberger will be resigning his office, effective Jan. 3rd, 2022.

This after Rauschenberger was taken to detox in Bismarck Monday after he was found intoxicated in a Bismarck hotel room.

Four years ago, Rauschenberger, a Republican, was arrested for DUI after he was stopped by the Highway Patrol. He apologized and later pleaded guilty. Last August, he was cited for open container in Bismarck. In 2014, Rauschenberger took a temporary unpaid leave of absence citing his decision to seek professional help for alcohol issues.

In a statement, Gov. Burgum thanked Rauschenberger for his service. And Burgum said he applauds Rauschenberger for having “the courage to take the steps necessary to prioritize his recovery, health and well-being.” Burgum will appoint someone to serve the remainders of Rauschenberger’s term, which expires at the end of 2022.

The following is a news release by North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum concerning the resignation of Ryan Rauschenberger.

“Gov. Doug Burgum today thanked Tax Commissioner Ryan Rauschenberger for his service to the State of North Dakota after Rauschenberger notified the governor of his intention to resign his position effective Jan. 3, 2022.

“We are deeply grateful to Ryan for his dedicated and effective service to the citizens of North Dakota for more than 13 years, and the First Lady and I applaud him for having the courage to take the steps necessary to prioritize his recovery, health and well-being,” Burgum said.

As required by North Dakota law, Burgum will appoint a tax commissioner to serve the remainder of Rauschenberger’s term, which expires at the end of 2022.”