Mark Sanford, former S.C. guv, engaged to ex-mistress: Reports

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.