Udall Offers Condolences on the Passing of Former NM State Rep. Luciano ‘Lucky’ Varela

SANTA FE, N.M. — Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement in remembrance of former longtime State Rep. Luciano “Lucky” Varela:

“Jill and I offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of former State Rep. Luciano ‘Lucky’ Varela, and we join all of New Mexico in mourning his passing.

“For 30 years, Lucky represented the people of Santa Fe with honor, integrity and heart. He will be remembered for his honesty about the need to address our challenges in order to move our state forward, and especially for his deep knowledge of the state budget and its impact on everyone in New Mexico.

“Lucky truly made New Mexico a better place. He understood the numbers; just as importantly, he understood the people behind those numbers — their struggles, hopes and dreams. He gave selflessly to the people of Santa Fe and the entire state of New Mexico, and we are better for his leadership. We will miss him dearly.”