CHICAGO, Ill. (AP) — Democratic leaders have appointed a first-term state representative to the seat vacated by a longtime state senator under federal investigation.

Celina Villanueva was named to the Chicago-area post held by former state Sen. Martin Sandoval. She began her House post in 2018.

The Chicago Democrat says it’s “past time for ethical, principled and progressive” leadership in the district which covers city neighborhoods and suburbs. She’s also the lone candidate to file petitions in the March 17 primary for the Senate term that expires in January 2023.

Sandoval resigned in November. FBI agents raided his offices and home last year.