Login

Toulouse Oliver to take over as SOS this month

Print

Maggie Toulouse Oliver will take over the Secretary of State’s office on Dec. 9, according to a release from Brad Winter, the current Secretary of State.

She will be sworn into office on that day.

Toulouse Oliver, a Democrat, won election to the position this November over Republican Nora Espinoza.

Winter became Secretary of State after Gov. Susana Martinez appointed him last December after the resignation of Dianna Duran. Duran resigned shortly before pleading guilty to multiple crimes, including felonies, related to misuse of her campaign funds.

The resignation triggered an election this year, when the Secretary of State elections usually take place in non-presidential election years.

In a statement, Winter thanked Martinez for the opportunity.

“I hope I made a positive difference during my short time. Some of the accomplishments that were made include online voter registration, expanded online services in our corporations bureau, a more transparent campaign reporting system and a successful primary and general election,” Winter said. “I want to thank the staff of the Secretary of State’s office for their hard work and professionalism in serving all citizens of New Mexico as well as my deep appreciation and respect for the county clerks for all the work they do.”

Martinez praised Winter for his work as Secretary of State, saying she appreciated “the integrity and dedication he brought to the job every single day.”

In a statement, Secretary-elect Toulouse Oliver thanked voters “for placing their faith and trust in me.”

“Now begins the hard work of enacting important reforms that will strengthen transparency and accountability at all levels of government and ensure trust in our political process,” Toulouse Oliver said.

Duran was the first Republican elected to the position in decades, and she won reelection against Toulouse Oliver in 2014, but resigned less than a year later.

Visit: nmpoliticalreport.com

By Matthew Reichbach

NM Political Report