Senator Ralph Alvarado announced last Wednesday that he would be resigning his seat in the Kentucky Senate to take on a new role as the Health Commissioner for the state of Tennessee.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee appointed Alvarado to the position on Tuesday. In a statement from his office, Lee said “Dr. Alvarado’s significant clinical and hospital management experience make him well-positioned to lead the Department of Health, and I appreciate his service to Tennesseans.”
In that same statement, Alvarado said “It’s an honor to join Governor Lee’s team to advance health and prosperity for every Tennessean. I appreciate this opportunity and look forward to serving individuals and families across the Volunteer State.”
Senate President Robert Stivers has said that Alvarado will remain in his in his seat through at least the first week of the 2023 General Assembly, which begins January 3rd. A special election will be held some time after that to fill the seat.