David Clarke, the controversial conservative firebrand sheriff of Milwaukee County, has resigned, effective at noon today.

Conservative talk radio host Mark Belling claims to have spoken with Clarke, and that Clarke has not accepted another government job.

“Clarke tells me he is accepting a new position which will be announced next week,” he wrote in a post on his website. “He’s not disclosing what it is but I can tell you that it is not in government and will give Clarke the latitude to continue to speak out on the causes he is passionate about.”

Clarke has been an outspoken supporter of President Donald Trump and was once reportedly close to being offered a high-level position in the Department of Homeland Security. He has also been a vociferous critic of Black Lives Matter and other social movements. He has also been criticized publicly for several deaths in county jails in recent years and is the defendant in several lawsuits.

Earlier this year, an out-of-state campaign attempted to draft him to run for Senate. Former police officer Earnell Lucas has already declared his candidacy to run against Clarke next year.

In a statement released Thursday, Lucas did not directly address the resignation.

“I have a deep and abiding commitment to this community, and I have the experience in
law enforcement and public safety to be the next Milwaukee County Sheriff,” he said in the statement. “That’s why I filed to be a candidate, why I’ve been campaigning across the community with my message of collaboration, integrity, and professionalism, and why dozens of community leaders are lining up with me. We will see what the process is going forward, but regardless, I will continue to be a candidate for a full term as Sheriff in 2018, and I look forward to earning the trust of Milwaukee County voters.”

Governor Scott Walker will likely appoint a replacement to serve out the remainder of Clarke’s term.

This story is developing and will be updated.

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