Gov. Susana Martinez has set a date for a special election to replace interim Secretary of State Brad Winter. Winter, who was appointed to the position following the resignation of former Secretary Dianna Duran, declined to seek election to the remainder of the four-year term.

A special primary election will be held June 7, 2016. The special general election is scheduled for November 8, 2016.

Former Secretary of State Dianna Duran was sentenced to over seven years in jail, with all but 30 days suspended, and was ordered to pay $14,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to felony embezzlement charges. Duran, who siphoned money from her election account to fuel a gambling addiction, was also ordered to perform 2,000 hours of community service.

As part of her plea agreement, Duran has until December 16, 2015 to withdraw her guilty plea and go to trial. If she does not withdraw her guilty plea, she must report to jail by December 18, 2015.

State House Democrats announced their plan to introduce a package of bills aimed at creating an independent ethics commission, overhauling the state’s lobbyist and campaign finance reporting systems, and strengthening forfeiture penalties for corrupt officials.

Following the scandal of former Secretary of State Dianna Duran involving fraud and embezzlement, the state lawmakers plan on introducing the bills in the upcoming legislative session as a way to promote trust and transparency.

Pre-filing of proposed legislation can begin on December 15, and the 2016 legislative session will open on January 19.

Dianna Duran resigned as New Mexico’s Secretary of State late Thursday evening, the day before she was due to appear in court on embezzlement and other charges. Duran previously pleaded not guilty to allegations she funneled campaign funds into personal accounts and later used those funds at area casinos.

Her guilty plea, entered this morning, can be withdrawn if the judge decides to impose a prison sentence. The plea agreement requires Duran to pay $14,000 in restitution to campaign donors and to undergo treatment for gambling addiction.

A spokesman for the governor’s office stated Deputy Secretary of State Mary Quintana will serve as acting secretary of state until the governor can make an appointment.

New Mexico’s Secretary of State pleaded not guilty to charges relating to the misuse of campaign funds. Dianna Duran is accused of funneling campaign contributions into personal accounts, filing false campaign finance disclosures, and using the funds to frequent casinos.

Amid pressure to resign, Duran’s attorney said she has not been convicted of a crime and will remain the sitting secretary of state. State legislators will meet later this month to begin an investigation as part of impeachment proceedings.