Three more candidates in York County ”“ all of them Republicans ”“ have withdrawn and won’t be in the running for the Maine Legislature in November.

Earlier this month, three Republicans withdrew and were replaced in special caucuses, while another withdrew and state GOP officials say a replacement is expected to be named soon.

The most recent candidates to withdraw from the race include Jeff Christenbury, who was in the running to represent District 14, and Frederick Fortier, who was running to represent District 15. Both are Saco districts. State election lists don’t include replacement candidates as of yet ”“ replacements have until 5 p.m. July 28 to file paperwork with the Maine Secretary of State’s Office.

Christenbury said he explored the issue and realized that if he won the race, he wouldn’t be able to afford to serve.

Initially, he said, he agreed to let his name stand as a placeholder, and then be began looking at running in earnest. He estimated the first cycle of the two-year term pays about $13,500 for seven months, plus mileage, and that he just couldn’t afford it.

“I would have loved to serve,” said Christenbury, who said perhaps he’ll make a run in the future. He said he thinks the pay scale may deter others from seeking elected office as well.

Democrats in the running for the seats are incumbents Barry Hobbins in District 14, and Justin Chenette in District 15.

As well, Windol Weaver, who served four terms in the House and whose name was on the ballot to represent southern York County in Senate District 35, has withdrawn. Weaver told the Portsmouth Herald that he has agreed to be a placeholder for the spot, but felt that four two-year terms in the House was enough. Senate District 35 includes Ogunquit, South Berwick, Eliot, Kittery and York.

On July 10, Waterboro Selectman David Woodsome was elected as the Republican candidate for Senate District 33, replacing Adam McGee of Sanford, who withdrew. Woodsome will face long-time incumbent Democrat Sen. John Tuttle of Sanford in the November election.

And on July 6, Matthew Harrington was nominated by Sanford Republicans to replace Sarah P. Cognata as the House District 19 candidate. Harrington will challenge Democrat William Noon in the November election.

As well, John Nostin of Naples has been nominated by the GOP caucus for House District 68, which includes Cornish and Parsonsfield and the Cumberland County towns of Naples, Baldwin and Sebago. He will face incumbent Democrat Christine Powers in November.

In House District 21, GOP candidate Barbara van Pelt has withdrawn, leaving an opening for a Republican candidate for the district, which includes Limerick, Newfield, Alfred and part of Parsonsfield. Whomever is selected will run against independent incumbent James Campbell of Newfield. There is no Democrat in the race.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.