New Mexico’s embattled Secretary of State Dianna Duran, who in late August was indicted on dozens of criminal charges, has resigned, her chief of staff confirmed Friday morning.
Ken Ortiz said Duran submitted a letter to Gov. Susana Martinez, who will be responsible for choosing a replacement for Duran until after next year’s election.
Duran didn’t tell her staff about her decision on Thursday, Ortiz said. “She mentioned yesterday that she was considering her options,” he said. “I guess the decision was made last night.”,,,
Bernalillo County Clerk Maggie Toulouse Oliver, a Democrat who ran against Duran in last year’s election, toldThe New Mexican recently that she was looking at running for the seat next year if Duran resigned.
The state Republican Party issued a statement Friday morning saying:
“We respect Dianna Duran’s decision to step down amid these recent accusations and help restore credibility to the Secretary of State’s Office. Voters rightfully demand that our elected officials be accountable to the law, and our party will continue to advocate for accountability in government.”