WASHINGTON >> Commerce Secretary John Bryson said today he is resigning after suffering a seizure earlier this month in the Los Angeles area.

President Barack Obama said in a statement that he has accepted the resignation and thanked Bryson for the “invaluable experience and expertise” he brought to the administration.

Bryson says in a letter to Obama that he is concerned his seizure “could be a distraction” from his performance as secretary and says the nation would be better served by “a change in leadership” at the department.

Earlier this month, Bryson transferred his functions and duties as secretary to Deputy Secretary Rebecca Blank, who is now acting commerce secretary.