Another New York state senator has been convicted of a felony, thereby losing his Senate seat. Democrat John L. Sampson was convicted of obstructing justice in connection with his efforts to avoid a federal investigation into alleged embezzlement of state funds.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has not yet set a date for a special election to fill Sampson’s seat; however, it is anticipated the special election will coincide with the regularly scheduled November general election, where Thomas Libous’s Senate seat will also be on the ballot.

Libous was convicted of a felony surrounding allegations he lied to federal agents.

Photo of John L. Sampson courtesy of the New York Senate website.

Senate Deputy Majority Leader Thomas Libous was convicted of felony charges resulting from a federal investigation into a job his son received at a politically connected law firm.

Because he was found guilty, Libous is automatically removed from his Senate seat according to state law. His ouster leaves Senate Republicans with a slim majority and puts a renewed significance on the November 2015 elections.

Libous’ seat will be on the ballot on November 3, 2015, unless Gov. Cuomo calls a special election sooner.

Photo of Sen. Thomas Libous by Emmanuel Priest on Wikimedia Commons