Vargas Bolts 6th House In Hartford

HARTFORD, CT — Unlike most of his colleagues who were slated to be sworn into a new term of office Wednesday in the state legislature, state Rep. Edwin Vargas, D-Hartford, did not join them.

Despite winning election to a new term last November, Vargas Tuesday officially submitted his resignation from office, reportedly to take a new position in higher education.

On his last day in office, Connecticut Secretary of the State Mark Kohler said he received the resignation of Vargas Tuesday, one day prior to the new legislative session on Wednesday.

New Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas was sworn into office Wednesday.

Vargas served the 6th House District, which encompassed part of Hartford. He was first elected to the seat in 2012.

Under state law, Kohler said the governor has 10 days to issue writs of election to choose a successor in the 6th House District.

The special election must be held on the 46th day after the issuance of the writs of election. Major party conventions must take place by 36 days before the special elections.

Vargas is a retired educator and is of Puerto Rican descent.

His resignation letter didn't indicate a reason for his departure, but the Connecticut Mirror reported Wednesday that Vargas, 74, is taking an academic position in the Connecticut State Colleges and University system.

"It has been my great honor to serve as a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives and I will miss it greatly," Vargas wrote in his resignation letter to Kohler.

His resignation was effective at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3.

Vargas ran unopposed in the November election for the 6th House District, the GOP unable to come up with a challenger.

From Nov. 7: 'Hartford 2022 Election Voter Guide: Meet The Candidates'

For Edwin Vargas' resignation letter from the legislature, click on this link.

For more information on Vargas' legislative biography, click on this link.

For the full Connecticut Mirror report, click on this link.