Ralph Alvarado

Ralph Alvarado
15th Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Health
In office
January 16, 2023 – July 11, 2025
GovernorBill Lee
Preceded byMorgan McDonald (acting)
Succeeded byJohn Dunn (acting)
Member of the Kentucky Senate
from the 28th district
In office
January 1, 2015 – January 6, 2023
Preceded byR. J. Palmer
Succeeded byGreg Elkins
Personal details
Born (1970-04-30) April 30, 1970
PartyRepublican
EducationLoma Linda University (BS, MD)

Ralph A. Alvarado (born April 30, 1970) is an American physician and politician who most recently served as the 15th Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Health from 2023 until his resignation in 2025. He served as a member of the Kentucky Senate representing the 28th District from 2015 to 2023. Upon taking office, he became the first Hispanic person elected to the Kentucky General Assembly. His father is from Costa Rica and his mother is from Argentina. He assumed office on January 1, 2015, serving until January 6, 2023, when he would resign to accept the role of commissioner.