ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An Albuquerque Democrat has been appointed to former state Sen. Tim Keller's seat.
Bernalillo County commissioners voted to name state Rep. Mimi Stewart to fill the remainder of term to the District 17 spot after Keller resigned. Keller, also a Democrat, won election as state auditor last month.
The district covers an area of Albuquerque's Southeast Height.
Bernalillo County Deputy Attorney Peter Auh says since Senate District 17 is wholly within Bernalillo County, commissioners can appoint a replacement.
He says it's only in those cases in which the district covers more than one county that commissioners from each county would send recommendations to the governor.
Stewart's appointment creates another vacancy for her former state House seat.