Rep. Steve Gallardo, D-Phoenix, decided not to be sworn in with the 89 other elected state lawmakers when the legislative session began Jan. 12.
The veteran Hispanic lawmaker, who in November was elected to his fourth term in the state House of Representatives, said he will instead pursue other professional opportunities.
“After many weeks of soul-searching, I made the difficult decision to not take the oath of office. As a lifelong resident of District 13 and who truly values and respects the people who live there, I pledge to always find avenues to serve my constituents who have supported me the last six years,” Gallardo stated in a press release. “I will continue representing the needs of the hard-working people of District 13 by working on the issues that matter the most to them in my new private sector capacity.”
In 2007 and 2008, Gallardo served as the whip for the House Democratic caucus. In November, he was defeated in a bid to retain a leadership post. He also lost a re-election bid for a spot on the Phoenix Union High School District governing board in 2008.
Precinct committeemen in District 13 have nominated three possible replacements. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors was expected to select the replacement from among those candidates on Jan. 16.