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Winchester State Sen. Ralph Alvarado (R) will resign his seat to take a position in the state of Tennessee.

The senator, who is a licensed doctor, was announced as the state to the south’s new commissioner of its public health department early Tuesday by Gov. Bill Lee in a written statement.

“Dr. Alvarado’s significant clinical and hospital management experience make him well-positioned to lead the Department of Health,” Lee said in the announcement.

The soon-to-be former senator is looking forward to this new challenge.

“It’s an honor to join Governor Lee’s team to advance health and prosperity for every Tennessean,” Alvarado said in the statement. “I appreciate this opportunity and look forward to serving individuals and families across the Volunteer State.”

Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers (R) of Manchester issued a statement commending Alvarado’s work.

“Senator Alvarado has been among the most effective legislators in the Kentucky General Assembly, and we have leaned trustingly on his expertise and insight on health policy matters and so much more. His fingerprints are deeply embedded in the many successes Kentucky has experienced this past decade,” Stivers said.

He also provided a timetable on when Alvarado might formally resign.

“Senator Alvarado will remain the representative of Senate District 28 through the first week of the 2023 legislative session and up until he resigns or takes his oath of office in Tennessee’s executive branch. His presence is critical to the start of our 2023 session because, historically, key legislation has been crafted and passed at this time,” Stivers said.

The 2023 legislative session begins on Jan. 3.

First elected into office in 2014, Alvarado was the first Hispanic person elected to the state General Assembly. During his time in the state Senate, Alvarado has served on various committees, including the health and welfare committee and the Medicaid oversight and advisory committee.

In 2019, Alvarado ran as the running mate of former Gov. Matt Bevin on the ticket that lost to current Gov. Andy Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman. He was reelected earlier this month and faced only write-in opposition.

He is the CEO of Alvarado Medical Service in Kentucky. His medical license shows he specializes in internal medicine. Alvarado earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California. He completed his residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at the University of Kentucky.

Alvarado represents the 28th Senate District, including Bath, Clark, Menifee, Montgomery counties, and an eastern portion of Fayette.

What happens next?

Per Kentucky law, vacancies in the General Assembly are filled with a special election. The date for the special election is set by the presiding officer of the house where the resignation takes place or by the governor if it is not in session and must communicate to the appropriate county sheriff’s office a minimum of 56 days before it takes place.

To serve in the Kentucky Senate at the time of election, one must be at least 30 years of age, a citizen of Kentucky, resided in the state for six years next preceding their election and have lived in their district for one year.