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Man facing charges for domestic violence wins re-election for Maine House seat

Republican Lucas Lanigan won his seat back by one vote against Democrat Patricia Kidder.

SANFORD, Maine — Republican State Rep. Lucas Lanigan, who is facing domestic violence charges, will keep his seat in the Maine House, thanks to just one vote. 

The Office of the Secretary of State did a recount in the narrow race for House District 141, which represents Shapleigh, Newfield, Sanford, and Springvale. Lanigan was up against Democrat Patricia Kidder.

The final recount determined Lanigan received 2,478 votes and Kidder received 2,477 votes.

"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 charged with domestic violence aggravated assault in October after he allegedly choked his wife. 

RELATED: Maine Democrats demand a Republican lawmaker's resignation over his arrest for alleged assault

According to a police affidavit released on the case, Lanigan allegedly choked his wife for 20 seconds after she confronted him about an alleged affair. Lanigan's wife was taken to Maine Medical Center with bruises on both sides of her neck and marks inside her mouth consistent with strangulation injuries, according to the York County District Attorney's Office. 

During Lanigan's initial court appearance on Oct. 30, his wife requested the charges be dropped, describing the event as a quote "misunderstanding." 

The York County District Attorney's Office noted it is not uncommon for victims of domestic violence to alter their stories or downplay incidents. 

Lanigan's bail was set at $3,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for March. 

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