State Sen. Sam Zamarripa, an Atlanta Democrat who became the first Hispanic elected to Georgia Senate in 2002, announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election this year.

“Zamarripa said that during his four years as a state senator, he was most pleased with his work on the Senate Economic Development Committee. There, he sponsored and passed legislation that encourages the People’s Republic of China to invest in Georgia and build strong business relationships that will create jobs and encourage economic growth in the state. The lawmaker said he plans to continue his work in that area both within his private business and as a volunteer for the city and state.

Zamarripa, who is of Mexican descent, also made a name for himself as a strong advocate for Atlanta’s Hispanic community. He was a key player in this year’s heated debate over illegal immigration and repeatedly expressed his opposition to Senate Bill 529.”

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