SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The Latest on a clash in New Mexico between the departing Republican state auditor and leading Democrats (all times local):

3:40 p.m.

Departing Republican New Mexico State Auditor Wayne Johnson says his elected successor is interfering with an inquiry into whether the state attorney general's office followed proper bidding procedures for a public contract awarded to a private law firm.

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A Democrat elected as New Mexico state auditor is threatening to investigate the departing Republican state auditor once the transfer of power takes place Jan. 1.

Auditor-elect Brian Colon announced Wednesday in a news release that he will launch an investigation and internal review of conduct by departing State Auditor Wayne Johnson.

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A Democratic legislator from southern New Mexico was appointed Wednesday to lead the state labor department as Gov.-elect Michelle Lujan Grisham announced another round of cabinet picks in preparation for taking office Jan. 1.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Democrat Brian Colon wins election as New Mexico state auditor.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The Office of the State Auditor in New Mexico has served as a springboard for aspiring politicians and has made headlines for some of its special investigations.

The candidates vying for the seat both have said they aim to continue using its power to hold local and state government accountable.

Republican Wayne Johnson was appointed to the office last year and is running for a full term. He's being challenged by Brian Colon, a former chairman of the state Democratic Party.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Former New Mexico Democratic Party chairman Brian Colon is running for state auditor.

Colon announced his bid in a statement late Sunday.

Colon says he is running because he is "fed up" and wants to ensure taxpayer money goes to the right places. He says his background in finance and law make him the right candidate.

Colon earned an undergraduate degree in finance from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces and graduated from law school at the University of New Mexico.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A former rival has endorsed New Mexico State Auditor Tim Keller for Albuquerque mayor.

Brian Colon announced Wednesday he was throwing his support behind Keller because of his "strong message."

The move comes after Colon came in third in an open mayoral race behind Keller and city council Dan Lewis early this month. Keller and Lewis are set to face each other in a run-off on Nov. 14.