Varela, who announced his retirement in 2015, sat as the deputy chair of the House Appropriations and Finance Committee as well as a member of the Health, Government and Indian Affairs Committee.
On February 12, 2016, during the legislative session, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle took time to honor the outgoing Varela, recognizing his years of service, knowledge of New Mexico and friendship.
[2] Questions about whether Jeff Varela actually lived in the district became an issue the primary campaign and he finished third of three candidates.
[3][4] Varela attended the College of Santa Fe where he received a degree in accounting.
He was also an alumnus of La Salle University, where he received a law degree.