ATLANTA — In a letter sent to the Fulton County District Attorney's Office, special prosecutor Nathan Wade informed D.A. Willis he is resigning from Georgia's 2020 election interference case.
It comes just hours after a Superior Court judge ruled that the romantic relationship between Wade and Willis -- while a "tremendous lapse in judgement" -- did not amount to a conflict of interest that hindered the defendants in the RICO case from a fair trial.
The judge gave Willis the option to stay on the case—but only if Wade resigned. In the end, Wade tendered his resignation, effective immediately.
"The rule of law and democracy is and has always been the North Star of our combined efforts in the prosecution of those who are alleged to have attempted to overthrow the results of Georgia's 2020 Presidential Election," Wade wrote. "As directed by the Order today... I hereby offer my resignation, effective immediately."
In a letter of her own, Willis accepted Wade's resignation, complimenting him on his "professionalism and dignity" up to this point, even with "threats against you and your family, as well as unjustified attacks in the media and in court on your reputation as a lawyer."
Willis continued, praising his "bravery" in taking up the case, writing: "You were the one who had the courage to accept the role, even though you did not seek it."
Read both of their letters below.
Judge McAfee’s decision Friday resolves the months-long dispute. But it may not be the final word on the issue. Legal experts say an appeal could be likely—though the timing of any potential appeal is not yet known.