FARMINGTON — State Rep. Lance Harvell, R-Farmington, has withdrawn his bid for re-election this fall.
Harvell, who has served in the Legislature since 2009, was scheduled to face Democratic challenger Edward David for the House District 113 seat. Harvell does not have a Republican opponent in Tuesday’s primary.
In a statement Monday, Harvell said, “The decision involves family and a need for more time spent at home. I have never done anything in my life halfway or without full commitment.”
Harvell expressed concerns about fairness to the residents he represents in Farmington and Industry if he was “elected to continue a job I could not fully commit to,” he added.
“When a person serves in office, the whole family sacrifices as well, and I could pass no legislation that would satisfy me should I fail with family, which is the most important to me,” he said.
Harvell wants to ensure his teenage daughter has more time with him, he said.
Harvell was elected to represent the former District 89 in a special election in February 2009.
Harvell acknowledged what he considers some of his accomplishments, including tax-code reform, and bringing natural gas to Farmington and working on a heat pump program to help lower heating costs.
He also helped stop legislation that would have raised electrical rates and taxes, he said.
“Running for office and walking all over the communities of Farmington and Industry, being invited into your homes, making relationships and forming friendships is what I will ever remember,” he said.
- State Rep. Lance Harvell, R-Farmington, speaks in the Maine House of Representatives on Monday urging his colleagues to override Gov. Paul LePage’s veto of a bill that boosts a solar and heat-pump rebate program by adding a surcharge on all those who purchase electricity in Maine. The House voted 105 -41, in favor of overriding LePage’s veto. The state Senate must also vote on the issue.
- State Rep. Lance Harvell, R-Farmington, speaks in the Maine House of Representatives in April. Harvell announced he will not run for re-election.
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