Lucas Lanigan

Last updated

Facebook post by Lucas Lanigan, January 31, 2021

Communities have local budget control over schools. No kids in school! No school budget! #defundteachersunion. [11]

On January 31, 2021, Lanigan posted on Facebook advocating to defund teachers' unions. Within the following days, educators and residents alike had wrote to Mastraccio in complaint to Lanigan's post. Mastraccio read them out in a city council meeting held two days after Lanigan made his comments, as well as reading, in full, a letter from fellow councilor Ayn Hanselmann. In the letter, Hanselmann said that his remarks could be damaging to the city's current budget process and that they did not represent the whole council's view. She also said it marginalized teachers, created an appearance of division, did not give residents opportunities to engage, and offered no solutions. [11] Lanigan claimed that his post was referencing the Chicago Teachers Union and the "$170 billion being requested that is holding up the stimulus package." Mastraccio alleged that he was pertaining to teachers in Sanford rather than in Chicago. [11] After failing to reach out to Lanigan via private messages, Mastraccio stripped Lanigan of his three subcommitee positions on February 2. [12] [11] Following this action, Lanigan claimed that Mastraccio lacks the authority to remove him from his subcommittee assignments, as well as emphasizing his stance on freedom of speech in regards to his Facebook page. [12]

Responses to Lanigan from city councilors were mixed. Jonathan Martell said that Lanigan had "valuable input" and only wanted to "express his personal opinion and his frustration with the lack of in-person classes this year." [11] Bob Stackpole said that Lanigan had "multiple violations of the code of conduct." [12] In March, Lanigan sued Mastraccio, the Sanford City Council, and the city of Sanford, alleging that Mastraccio violated the city council's Code of Conduct and Rules and Order of Business and the City Charter. [13] He also claimed that his First Amendment and due process rights were violated. Attorneys for the city of Sanford soon filed to dismiss the lawsuit. [14]

Maine House of Representatives (2022–present)

On August 10, 2021, Lanigan announced that he would forgo a third term to the Sanford city council and instead run for the Maine House of Representatives after being asked by the Maine GOP Caucus to do so. [15] Originally running for the House's 19th district, [15] he later ran for the 141st district. [16] In the Republican Party primary, he won unopposed, and faced Democrat Jack McAdam in the general election. [16] Lanigan promised that, if elected, he would try to reduce food, fuel, and electricity costs in Maine, and criticized the Republican's lack of willingness to work with Democrats. [17] In the general election, Lanigan defeated McAdam by over 10 percentage points. [18] Lanigan, alongside the rest of the legislature, was sworn in on December 7, 2022. [19]

Lucas Lanigan
Member of the MaineHouseofRepresentatives
from the 141st district
Incumbent
Assumed office
December 7, 2022 (2022-12-07)
2022 Maine's 141st House of Representatives district general election [18]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Lucas Lanigan 2,216 55.73%
Democratic John McAdam1,76044.27%
Total votes3,976 100.00%

Domestic violence charge and 2024 election

On October 25, 2024, the Sanford Police Department issued an arrest warrant for Lanigan on one count of domestic violence aggravated assault, a class B felony. [20] [21] [22] According to the warrant, he "did intentionally, knowingly or recklessly cause bodily injury" to a female "under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life." [23] An affidavit filed by Jeremy Riddle, a Sanford police officer, wrote that Lanigan's wife Catalina had discovered him having an affair in a storage unit. [22] [24] She confronted him, where Lanigan then proceeded to grab Catalina "around the neck with both hands and choked her for approximately 20 seconds." She was able to get away and go back home, calling two of her friends. First responders took Catalina to the Maine Medical Center in Sanford, where they discovered bruises on both the left and right sides of her neck. [22] She also had marks on her face and nose and within her mouth. [25] Three days after the arrest warrant was issued, Lanigan turned himself in to the York County Jail on October 28, [26] nearly a week before Election Day. [27] Lanigan had his first court hearing on October 30. At the court hearing, Catalina attempted to have Lanigen's charge dropped, claiming that he had never tried to choke her and was instead trying to help her. [28] [29] Initially held without bail, [30] district court judge John Lucy noted that because Lanigan had "no appreciable criminal record" and had a low risk of re-offense, Lucy set his bail to $3,000. He was then released on bail on November 1. [31]

Following his arrest, Democratic legislators and leaders called for Lanigen's resignation. Rachel Talbot Ross, the speaker of the Maine House of Representatives, called for "his immediate resignation," stating that "it is clear that he no longer has the public’s trust or the ethical or moral standing necessary to serve in the Maine House of Representatives." Majority leader Maureen Terry and assistant majority leader Kristen Cloutier also called for Lanigan's resignation. [32] Bev Uhlenhake, chair of the Maine Democratic Party, said that the allegations against Lanigan were "appalling, and they are far beyond the conduct we as Mainers will tolerate from anyone claiming or seeking to represent us in the state legislature." House Republican leader Billy Bob Faulkingham stated that the allegations will be resolved in court: "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." [33] Patty Kidder, Lanigen's Democratic opponent in the 2024 election, said that she did not believe that Lanigan "has any business making laws that affect anyone, especially women." [34]

Lanigan stated on November 1 that he had no intentions of canceling his re-election bid, with his lawyer stating: "We have a principle in this country." [35] In the 2024 election, while initial results on November 6 showed Kidder with a significant lead over Lanigan tied, the city of Sanford reported a human error, [36] and a new count showed Kidder and Lanigan tied, each having 2,476 votes. [37] Following the tie, a recount was held. [38] The recount showed Lanigan leading over Kidder by a margin of just one vote. [39] [40] Lanigan was sworn into office for his second term on December 4, 2024. [41]

2024 Maine's 141st House of Representatives district general election [39]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Lucas Lanigan 2,478 50.01%
Democratic Patricia Kidder2,47749.99%
Total votes4,955 100.00%

In December 2022, speaker Ryan Fecteau quietly removed Lanigan from the House Labor Committee. [42] On January 8, 2025, the House approved an ethics investigation into Lanigan in a 74–69 following requests from Democrats. Lanigan, who voted against the motion, walked out of the chamber following the vote's conclusion. [43] The following day, a protest in Sanford was held to raise awareness surrounding domestic violence. [44]

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References

  1. 1 2 Sullivan, Shawn P. (July 12, 2018). "Mill Towne Tavern offers 'social atmosphere'". The Portsmouth Herald . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 "One city councilor joins Sanford's mayoral race, as another mulls it over". Foster's Daily Democrat . August 6, 2020. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  3. 1 2 "Candidates locked in for Sanford's three-way mayoral race". Foster's Daily Democrat . September 10, 2020. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  4. ↑ Todd, Ellen W. (October 28, 2015). "Candidates speak out at forum". Foster's Daily Democrat . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  5. ↑ Todd, Ellen W. (January 6, 2016). "New Year, New Faces". Foster's Daily Democrat . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  6. ↑ Sullivan, Shawn (May 3, 2017). "Councilor Lanigan apologizes for 'unprofessional and destructive' post on Facebook". Foster's Daily Democrat . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  7. ↑ Wells, Tammy (September 7, 2019). "Deputy Mayor's comments about Sanford police raise eyebrows". Portland Press Herald . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  8. ↑ Clarke, Talia (September 10, 2019). "Sanford police address city drug issues following City Council comment". WMTV . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  9. 1 2 Sullivan, Shawn P. (November 4, 2020). "Anne Marie Mastraccio wins three-way Sanford mayoral race". The Portsmouth Herald . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  10. ↑ Sullivan, Shawn P. (December 28, 2020). "Sanford's mayor-elect: Democracy works better when more people are involved". The Portsmouth Herald . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 Sullivan, Shawn P. (February 9, 2021). "City councilor to fight discipline for 'defund teachers union' Facebook post". The Portsmouth Herald . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  12. 1 2 3 Sullivan, Shawn P. (February 17, 2021). "'You need to honor the code of conduct': Council backs mayor in spat with Lanigan". The Portsmouth Herald . Archived from the original on January 19, 2025. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  13. ↑ "Lanigan Sues Mayor, City Over Removal From Subcommittees". Sanford Springvale News. March 26, 2021. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  14. ↑ "City Attorneys File For Dismissal of Lanigan Case". Sanford Springvale News. April 1, 2021. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  15. 1 2 Sullivan, Shawn P. (August 11, 2021). "As candidates file for Sanford election, these 2 incumbents won't run again". The Portsmouth Herald . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  16. 1 2 Sullivan, Shawn P. (June 16, 2022). "2022 Maine primary election: Jordan, McAdam and Runte win House primary races". The Portsmouth Herald . Retrieved January 19, 2025. This fall, McAdam, of Springvale, will face Republican Lucas Lanigan, also of Springvale, who was uncontested in his bid for the GOP nomination.
  17. ↑ "Meet the District 141 Candidates". Sanford Springvale News. October 26, 2022. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  18. 1 2 "2022 Maine State House - District 141 Election Results". Watertown Public Opinion . November 8, 2022. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  19. ↑ Marino, David Jr. (December 7, 2022). "Rachel Talbot Ross makes history as 1st Black speaker of Maine House". Bangor Daily News . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  20. ↑ "Arrest warrant issued for Sanford state representative". WCSH. October 27, 2024. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  21. ↑ Sullivan, Shawn P. (October 28, 2024). "Maine state Rep. Lucas Lanigan arrested on domestic violence charge". The Portsmouth Herald . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  22. 1 2 3 Sullivan, Shawn P. (October 29, 2024). "Police: Maine state Rep. Lanigan allegedly strangled woman after confronted about affair". The Portsmouth Herald . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  23. ↑ Wooten, Rya (October 28, 2024). "Sanford Rep. Lucas Lanigan turns himself into York County Jail". WCSH . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  24. ↑ Womack, Morgan (October 29, 2024). "Sanford lawmaker accused of choking wife". Portland Press Herald . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  25. ↑ Bishop, Bonnie (October 30, 2024). "Affidavit shows new details in a state rep's domestic violence charge". WMTW . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  26. ↑ Ogrysko, Nicole (October 28, 2024). "State lawmaker facing aggravated assault charge turns himself into police". Maine Public Broadcasting Network . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  27. ↑ Castellano, Jessie (October 29, 2024). "Maine state rep. arrested on domestic violence charge a week before Election Day". New England Cable News . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  28. ↑ LaPierre, Allyson (October 31, 2024). "Sanford lawmaker accused of choking woman faces judge for first time". WGME-TV . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  29. ↑ Allen, Emily (October 30, 2024). "Wife of Sanford lawmaker asks judge to drop assault charge". Portland Press Herald . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  30. ↑ Castellano, Jessie (October 29, 2024). "Maine state rep. arrested on domestic violence charge a week before Election Day". New England Cable News . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  31. ↑ "Lanigan Released on Bail, No Plea Entered". Sanford Springvale News. November 1, 2024. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  32. ↑ "Update: ME House leadership calls for state rep to resign following arrest". WABI-TV. WMTW. October 28, 2024. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  33. ↑ "Maine Democrats demand a Republican lawmaker's resignation over his arrest for alleged assault". Associated Press. October 30, 2024. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  34. ↑ Kobin, Billy (October 29, 2024). "Maine Democrats call on Republican facing domestic violence charge to resign". Bangor Daily News . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  35. ↑ Davis, Emma (November 1, 2024). "Maine legislator will not end reelection bid following arrest for alleged domestic abuse". Maine Morning Star. States Newsroom . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  36. ↑ LaPierre, Allyson (November 8, 2024). "Sanford lawmaker accused of domestic violence, opponent could request recount in tied race". WGME-TV . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  37. ↑ Sullivan, Shawn P. (November 6, 2024). "Maine state rep. Lucas Lanigan, charged with assault, is in a tied election". The Portsmouth Herald . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  38. ↑ Board, Riley; Graham, Gillian (November 14, 2024). "11 Maine legislative races will be recounted". Portland Press Herald . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  39. 1 2 Mistler, Steve (November 21, 2024). "One vote tips Maine House race to Republican lawmaker accused of choking his wife". Maine Public Broadcasting Network . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  40. ↑ Meyer, Mal (November 21, 2024). "Sanford lawmaker accused of domestic violence assault re-elected by single vote in recount". WGME-TV . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  41. ↑ Billings, Randy (December 4, 2024). "Sanford lawmaker accused of choking wife is sworn into office". Portland Press Herald . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  42. ↑ Kobin, Billy (January 8, 2025). "Maine House votes to investigate lawmaker facing domestic violence charge". Bangor Daily News . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  43. ↑ Mundry, Jackie; Reed, Russ (January 8, 2025). "Rep. Lucas Lanigan, Maine lawmaker charged with domestic violence, to face ethics investigation". WMTW . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  44. ↑ "March in Sanford helps bring attention to domestic violence in Maine". WPFO. WGME. January 9, 2025. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
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