Luciano ‘Lucky’ Varela

STATE News:

SANTA FE — House Speaker Brian Egolf has issued a statement following the death of longtime state representative Luciano “Lucky” Varela.

Varela, 82, died Saturday night at his home in Santa Fe, surrounded by his family. He had suffered a series of health issues.

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Rep. Lucky Varela,” Egolf said. “In my years of serving with Lucky, he was always a stalwart advocate for working people, for using our resources wisely, and for the people of Santa Fe. Lucky was beloved in Santa Fe for many reasons, not the least of which was that he knew more about the state’s budget than most of us ever will. He never shied away from asking tough questions and giving selflessly of his time and energy to make New Mexico a better state. I offer my condolences on behalf of the entire House of Representatives, to his loved ones and our entire community.”