(CNN) Florida Secretary of State Michael Ertel resigned Thursday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' office confirmed, on the same day that photos of him in blackface at a party nearly 15 years ago were publicly revealed.

"I am submitting my resignation as Florida Secretary of State effective immediately," Ertel said in an email sent to DeSantis Thursday afternoon, provided by the DeSantis' office to CNN. "It has been an honor to serve you and the voters of Florida."

DeSantis' press office said in an email to CNN that "the governor accepted Secretary Ertel's resignation."

Ertel's resignation comes in conjunction with the release of photos of him in blackface at a private Halloween party in 2005, obtained by the Tallahassee Democrat

The photos show Ertel -- who is white -- in blackface, wearing red lipstick, a New Orleans Saints bandana, fake breasts and large earrings.

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