BIDDEFORD — A community advocate who had announced his independent candidacy for Biddeford’s District 12 seat in the Maine House of Representatives in April has withdrawn from the race.

Matt Lauzon, 33, was a first-time candidate for office in 2016 when he ran against state Rep. Martin Grohman. He drew more than 1,600 votes, almost 47 percent of the votes cast.

Matt Lauzon Staff photo by Whitney Hayward

Lauzon said his decision to leave the race was tough to make.

“It was a very difficult decision. Unlike last time, I also thought I would win this time,” he said. “But, at the end of day, I have to consider the ‘why’ that drives me to want to serve and right now I don’t think this is it.”

This fall, Lauzon will enter the University of Maine School of Law in Portland. His business background has been in starting, building and investing in technology companies and he currently works as a management consultant for a technology company.

Well-known in the community as a champion of transparency and public participation in government, Lauzon said his belief as an independent is simple.

“My allegiance as a community advocate has always been driven by a single core belief,” he said. “I believe we’re at our best when all voices are considered. Now, more than ever, I believe it’s critical to elect leaders with this motivation and approach.”

Currently involved in a lawsuit in connection with sexual abuse that he says he suffered at the hands of a former Biddeford police officer, Lauzon says he is a staunch supporter of policies that protect people from abuse, especially children.

“This is a very personal issue to me and one that’s driven my decision to go to law school. We have a lot of work to do here. I am equipped to drive changes for Biddeford and Maine as a whole,” he said.

Lauzon said he’s open to exploring other opportunities in politics in Biddeford in the future.

He will continue to co-host a weekly program called “Meet the Agenda,” which airs on Biddeford Public Access Television, along with Bob “Boomer” Provencher. The 30-minute program aims to interest and inform citizens about Biddeford City Council agenda items to be discussed by city councilors when they conduct meetings every other week.

Ed Pierce can be contacted at 282-1535 ext. 326 or at:

editor@journaltribune.com.