Lucky Varela

Representative
Lucky Varela
Member of the New Mexico House of Representatives
from the 48th district
In office
January 1987 – 2016
Personal details
Born
Luciano Varela

(1935-02-17)February 17, 1935
Pecos, New Mexico, U.S.
DiedSeptember 2, 2017(2017-09-02) (aged 82)
Santa Fe, New Mexico, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
OccupationGovernment official, politician

Luciano Varela (February 17, 1935 – September 2, 2017) was a Democratic member of the New Mexico House of Representatives, representing the 48th District from 1987 to 2016. Varela, who announced his retirement in 2015, sat as the deputy chair of the House Appropriations and Finance Committee as well as a member of the Health, Government and Indian Affairs Committee.

On February 12, 2016, during the legislative session, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle took time to honor the outgoing Varela, recognizing his years of service, knowledge of New Mexico and friendship.[1]

Announcing his retirement in August 2015, Varela also endorsed his son, Jeff Varela, to succeed him.[2] Questions about whether Jeff Varela actually lived in the district became an issue the primary campaign and he finished third of three candidates.[3][4]

Personal life

Varela attended the College of Santa Fe where he received a degree in accounting. He was also an alumnus of La Salle University, where he received a law degree.[5]

He worked in consulting, investments, and as a government official.[6] Varela was also a member of the United States Army and United States Army Reserve.[6]

Divorced with three children and nine grandchildren.[5][6] Varela died on September 2, 2017, in Santa Fe, New Mexico.[7]

References

  1. ^ Simonich, Milan. "Lawmakers honor outgoing Rep. Luciano 'Lucky' Varela". Santa Fe New Mexican. No. 12 February 2016. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  2. ^ Baker, Deborah (25 August 2016). "Politics Notebook: 'Lucky' Varela wants to pass baton to son". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  3. ^ Carrillo, Edmundo (13 May 2016). "Rio Rancho or Santa Fe? Residency of SF House candidate at issue". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  4. ^ "OFFICIAL RESULTS 2016 Primary - June 7, 2016". New Mexico Secretary of State. New Mexico Secretary of State. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  5. ^ a b "» House District 48 (D) – Luciano "Lucky" Varela (i)". ABQ Journal. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
  6. ^ a b c "Luciano "Lucky" Varela, Currently Elected Representative District 48, New Mexico". Vote-nm.org. Retrieved 2013-07-30.
  7. ^ Longtime legislator Lucky Valera dies, nmpoliticalreport.com; accessed 3 September 2017.


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