Tucson Democrat Linda Lopez is making good on her planned exit from the Arizona Senate. She has submitted a resignation letter.
The letter makes the effective date of her resignation Jan. 13, opening day for the new legislative term.
The lawmaker, who previously said she needed to resign her seat because of the demands of a new job, delayed her departure until next week, gaining additional credits for her retirement benefits.
The Arizona Capitol Times says Lopez handed her resignation letter to Senate President Andy Biggs and the Senate secretary on Dec. 31. Her departure will leave a vacancy in the Senate until a replacement takes office.
Members of the Pima County Board of Supervisors will pick her successor from a list of three nominees, recommended by Democratic activists in Lopez’s 29th legislative district. The replacement must be a Democrat from Pima County.