Jon Huntsman Resigns, Will Move Back to Utah

Jon Huntsman on Tuesday announced that he'll resign his position as US ambassador to Russia effective Oct. 3—the month when he's set to move back to Utah, reports the Salt Lake Tribune. The Hill reports the news comes as no surprise: Huntsman had reportedly committed to taking on the ambassadorship for two years, and speculation has mounted that the former Utah governor would stage another gubernatorial campaign.

In his resignation letter, he indicates that he hopes he's giving ample notice in terms of confirming his successor. Huntsman writes, "American citizenship is a privilege and I believe the most basic responsibility in return is service to country. To that end, I am honored by the trust you have placed in me as the United States Ambassador to Russia during this historically difficult period in bilateral relations." You can read his full letter here. (More Jon Huntsman stories.)