Gov. Mark Sanford

Gov. Mark Sanford Credit: Former S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford talks about his affair during a news conference (Getty)

Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, 52, is engaged to the woman who he admitted to secretly visiting in 2009, according to reports.

Sanford proposed to his Argentine girlfriend, Maria Belen Chapur, 44, at a restaurant in Argentina on Wednesday, according to Clarin, a local newspaper. He confirmed the engagement Sunday in a statement to CNN.

"Yes, we are engaged, and I'm both happy and excited for what that means," he said. "I have long expressed my feelings for her. She's a wonderful person. My closest friends have met and love her."

Once a popular Republican politician, Sanford's marriage and career ended soon after he admitted to the affair, when he returned to the U.S. following a five-day visit with Chapur.

Port Jefferson and Amityville are dropping their varsity football programs for the 2026 season. Port Jefferson doesn't have enough players to field a team, while Amityville have enough healthy upperclassmen to field a team. Newsday's High School Sports Editor Gregg Sarra reports.

'That's a shame' Port Jefferson and Amityville are dropping their varsity football programs for the 2026 season. Newsday's High School Sports Editor Gregg Sarra reports.

Port Jefferson and Amityville are dropping their varsity football programs for the 2026 season. Port Jefferson doesn't have enough players to field a team, while Amityville have enough healthy upperclassmen to field a team. Newsday's High School Sports Editor Gregg Sarra reports.

'That's a shame' Port Jefferson and Amityville are dropping their varsity football programs for the 2026 season. Newsday's High School Sports Editor Gregg Sarra reports.

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