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Duncan D. Hunter
Former U.S. Representative (R-CA-50)
Congressman convicted of misusing $250,000 in campaign funds for personal expenses including extramarital affairs, family vacations, and pet airfare, then blaming his wife
Overview
Duncan Duane Hunter served as a U.S. Representative from California from 2009 to 2020, succeeding his father Duncan L. Hunter in the same seat. In August 2018, he and his wife Margaret were indicted on 60 federal counts of misusing over $250,000 in campaign funds for personal expenses. The indictment detailed extraordinary misuse: family vacations to Italy, Hawaii, and Boise labeled as campaign events; $600 in airfare for the family pet rabbit to travel; $14,000 at Costco and Walmart; dental work, private school tuition, video games, and tequila shots. Most strikingly, Hunter used campaign funds to finance extramarital affairs with lobbyists and congressional staffers, including paying for hotel rooms and romantic dinners. When charged, Hunter initially blamed his wife ("She was also the prior treasurer... Whatever she did, that will prior prior prior prior what she prior... She handled my prior prior money"), then took a plea deal in December 2019. He was sentenced to 11 months in federal prison. Trump pardoned him in December 2020 during the final weeks of his presidency.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
Misused $250,000+ in campaign funds for personal expenses including vacations, affairs, and pet travel
Used campaign funds to finance extramarital affairs with lobbyists and staffers
Blamed wife for financial crimes before ultimately pleading guilty himself
Pardoned by Trump despite guilty plea and conviction
Continued serving in Congress and won reelection while under indictment
Related Investigations (1)
Criminal Charges & Violations
3 documented violations
18 U.S.C. 1343Wire fraud - scheme to steal campaign funds through fraudulent representation(federal)
52 U.S.C. 30114Conversion of campaign funds to personal use(federal)
18 U.S.C. 371Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and violate campaign finance laws(federal)
Known Associates & Connections
Margaret Hunter
Wife and co-defendant; campaign manager who facilitated personal spending; pleaded guilty before Hunter
Sources & Documentation
1 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Personal Information
- Born
- December 7, 1976
- Birthplace
- San Diego, California
Education
- •San Diego State University (B.S.)
Key Timeline
2009-01
Takes office representing CA-50, succeeding his father
2018-08-21
Indicted on 60 federal counts with wife Margaret
2018-11
Wins reelection despite pending criminal charges
2019-12-03
Pleads guilty to misuse of campaign funds
2020-01-13
Resigns from Congress
2020-03-17
Sentenced to 11 months in federal prison
2020-12-22
Pardoned by President Trump