New Mexico Governor Susanna Martinez has named a new Secretary of State to serve at least through the general election in November 2016.
Albuquerque City Councilor Brad Winter will fill out the term of Dianna Duran, who was sentenced Monday for funneling campaign donations to personal accounts to fuel her gambling addiction. Duran resigned in October after pleading guilty to the charges.
The governor's office has confirmed Winter’s selection after reviewing a number of applications. Governor spokesman Chris Sanchez says Winter will begin working as New Mexico’s top elections official Tuesday.
State voters will elect a Secretary of State next November. Winter is the longest-service city councilor in Albuquerque, first elected in 1998. He recently finished a 10 month stint as interim superintendent of the city’s public schools.