Maine Democrats called Tuesday for the resignation of Rep. Lucas Lanigan, R-Sanford, after more details on his domestic violence-related arrest came to light.
Lanigan allegedly choked his partner Friday at a self-storage facility in Springvale after she confronted him and another woman who was there about an affair, according to an affidavit from Sanford police obtained Tuesday. Lanigan’s partner freed herself, returned home and called friends, who then reported the alleged assault to police that afternoon.
The woman was taken to Maine Medical Center in Portland, where an examination found bruising around her neck, as well as small marks on her face and nose and in her mouth consistent with bleeding under the skin, according to the affidavit.
Sanford police issued a warrant for Lanigan’s arrest on a charge of domestic violence aggravated assault over the weekend after trying to contact him, and Lanigan turned himself in at the York County Jail on Monday morning. He remains detained without bond.
Lanigan did not immediately respond to a phone call, text and email seeking comment, and it was not clear if he had any attorney who could comment on his behalf. Lanigan told CBS 13 he was away on a business trip over the weekend before turning himself in.
Numerous Democrats said Tuesday that Lanigan should resign. Maine Democratic Party Chair Bev Uhlenhake said in a statement the alleged actions “are incredibly disturbing and are disqualifying for any elected official or individual seeking public office.”
House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, House Majority Leader Mo Terry, D-Gorham and Assistant House Majority Leader Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, all called for Lanigan’s immediate resignation. Talbot Ross said in a statement Lanigan no longer has the “ethical or moral standing necessary to serve in the Maine House of Representatives.”
The Maine Republican Party has not commented on Lanigan’s arrest, while legislative Republicans said they were waiting for the criminal case to proceed.
“I trust our justice system and remain confident that our justice system is the best in the world and that it will be resolved there,” House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham, R-Winter Harbor, said Tuesday.
Lanigan, 45, has served one term in the Maine House of Representatives and faces Democrat Patty Kidder in next week’s election. Kidder said if Lanigan is found guilty, she does not believe Lanigan “has any business making laws that affect anyone, especially women.”
“I believe the victim,” Kidder said.
The case will likely continue past the Nov. 5 election, and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows noted Lanigan can still hold office if convicted.
Last year, former Rep. Clinton Collamore, D-Waldoboro, resigned after pleading not guilty to signature fraud charges tied to his 2022 campaign. The Maine Constitution also allows for lawmakers to be removed or censured by colleagues with a two-thirds vote in their chamber.
