State Sen. Ralph Alvarado, head of Senate health committee, will resign to become state health commissioner in Tennessee

State Sen. Ralph Alvarado

Republican state Sen. Ralph Alvarado, a Winchester physician who chairs the state Senate's Health and Welfare Committee, is resigning his seat to become health commissioner in Tennessee.

The office of Gov. Bill Lee said Alvarado will resign his seat before taking office Jan. 16. That indicates that the special election to succeed him will not be called by Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, but by Senate President Robert Stivers, since the legislature will convene Jan. 3.

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