Colorado Senate President Leroy Garcia Leaving For Pentagon

Denver CO

03 February, 2022

6:58 PM

Description

DENVER, CO —State Senator Leroy Garcia, who is the president of the Senate, announced Thursday that he is resigning his Senate seat in order to accept an appointed position at the Pentagon. Garcia— a Democrat from District 3, which includes Pueblo, Pueblo West and part of the community in Salt Creek — is term-limited and in his final session as a state legislator. In a resignation letter to Cindi Markwell, secretary of the senate, Garcia, a former Marine, said he would be leaving to become the special assistant to the assistant secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs within the Department of Defense. Garcia, who became the Senate's first Latino president in 2019, said his final day on the job would be Feb. 23. "It has been the honor of my life to represent my community and a privilege to serve as the first Latino Senate President," Garcia said in a statement. "I leave with immense gratitude and optimism for Colorado's future." In the letter to Markwell, Garcia said he was "confident that whomever is selected to fill these vacancies will serve with the integrity and tenacity that Coloradans deserve." Politicians on both sides of the aisle had kind words about Garcia. "I appreciate the president giving me a heads up on this announcement. That is a clear indication of how we've come to trust each other and communicate over the last three years as part of Senate leadership," said Minority Leader Chris Holbert, the Douglas County Republican in a statement to the Denver Post. "I wish him the very best in his career and life after the General Assembly." Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said Colorado is grateful for Garcia's commitment to the state. "Under his leadership, we have led trailblazing reforms to save Coloradans money," Polis said in a statement. "He will be a great asset to the Biden Administration. Congratulations to Senator Garcia on his appointment." The Denver Post reported that Garcia's state Senate seat would be filled by a vacancy committee. Meanwhile, the new Senate president will be chosen by the Senate Democratic Caucus, though the group did not immediately name a replacement. Steve Fenberg —who represents District 18, which includes Boulder —is the second-in-command Majority Leader. He told the Denver Post that he plans to seek the job of president when Garcia departs. According to the Denver Post, Garcia previously served as the state Senate minority leader and he was a member of the state House of Representatives. He also was the leader of Joe Biden's Latino leadership Council during the 2020 presidential campaign.