AUGUSTA — State Sen. Larry Bliss, D-South Portland, announced to colleagues during a meeting this morning that he is resigning from the Maine Senate in order to take a new job in California.

Bliss, who has served more than 10 years in the Maine Legislature, will submit his letter of resignation to the governor this afternoon.

“I’m sorry to leave, but that’s what’s happening,” Bliss said. “My last day as a senator will be Friday, April 15.”

Previously, Bliss worked as the director of the career center at the University of Southern Maine but lost his job when the program was cut last year.

He has accepted an administrative position at one of the California state university campuses.

Gov. Paul LePage will schedule a special election to fill the seat.