By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-11-23 17:36:28 | Updated at 2024-11-23 20:08:41
2 hours ago
A Maine state representative who allegedly choked his wife after she confronted him and his mistress about their affair narrowly won his reelection bid by exactly one vote.
Lucas Lanigan, 45, was charged with domestic violence aggravated assault in October for strangling his wife after the pair got in an argument.
The Republican lawmaker ran against Democratic challenger Patty Kidder for a state House seat representing Shapleigh, Newfield, Sanford and Springvale.
Results from November 5 showed the two candidates in a tie, but a recount determined Lanigan won the seat by one vote.
Lanigan received 2,478 votes and Kidder received 2,477 votes, according to News Center Maine.
'Rather than the apparent tie from Election Night results, Rep. Lanigan is now the Representative-elect,' Emily Cook, director of communications for the Office of the Secretary of State, said.
Lanigan was arrested after he allegedly choked his wife for 'approximately 20 seconds,' Sergeant Jeremy Riddle said in an affidavit, viewed by Bangor Daily News.
His wife, Catalina Lanigan, 43, confronted her husband on October 25 at the Springvale Safe Storage on River Street shortly before 1 pm, when the pair got into an argument.
Lucas Lanigan, 45, was charged with domestic violence aggravated assault in October for strangling his wife
The Maine state representative (left) allegedly choked his wife (right) after she confronted him and his mistress about their affair
After he strangled her, she managed to escape and return home, where she called friends and later reported the assault to police around 3 pm, cops said.
The mother was taken to the Maine Medical Center in Portland for an examination, which found bruising around her neck and small marks on her face, nose, and mouth that was consistent with bleeding under the skin, the affidavit said.
An arrest warrant was issued for the Republican, who turned himself into jail on October 28 after returning from a business trip.
During his initial court appearance on October 30, Catalina requested the charges be dropped describing the incident as a 'misunderstanding.'
His bail was set at $3,000 and his next court appearance is scheduled for March. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine according to NBC News.
Lanigan then went on to win his election by the stunning margin saying in a Facebook post, 'This election serves as a powerful reminder that every vote truly counts.'
In a separate post, Lanigan said, 'I have thick skin but for my family enough is enough! I will be fighting not only these ridiculous charges.'
Kidder conceded the race in a Facebook post acknowledging the charges against Lanigan.
Catalina Lanigan, 43, requested the charges be dropped describing the incident as a 'misunderstanding'
After his arrest, Lanigan (pictured with his family in 2016) went on to win reelection by one vote
'We are aware of the alleged personal circumstances surrounding this election specifically, and want everyone to know that you deserve to love and be loved, safe and respected,' she said.
Maine House Democrats called for his 'immediate resignation' in a statement saying, 'We are stunned, dismayed, and horrified by the details of the charges against Rep. Lucas Lanigan that were disclosed in an affidavit from the Sanford Police Department.
'Domestic violence of any kind is unacceptable. These grievously serious allegations demonstrate that Rep. Lanigan is clearly unfit to continue serving as a state representative.
'We concur with Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross' call for his resignation, and hope that he takes it upon himself to do the right thing.'
Ross said Lanigan 'violated' the 'demands [for] integrity and accountability' that is required by those serving the public.
