YORK COUNTY — Two York County Republicans and one Democrat are among 23 Maine candidates to have withdrawn their bids for office in the Nov. 6 election.
The deadline for withdrawal that will still allow for a replacement candidate is 5 p.m. on Monday. The filing deadline for replacement candidates is 5 p.m. July 23.
Republican Eric Stanton of Saco, who was unopposed for his party’s nomination in the June 12 primary for Senate District 31, withdrew June 22. He was to have challenged incumbent Democrat Justin Chenette, who is seeking a second Senate term.
Republican Susan Karytko of West Kennebunk, who was also unopposed in the June primary for House District 8, which includes part of Kennebunk, withdrew June 28. She was to have challenged incumbent Democrat Chris Babbidge, who is seeking his third consecutive term — and had served two terms in the mid 2000s.
“In both cases, we have people waiting in the wings,” said York County Republican Committee chairman Brad Littlefield. He said each of the two races has at least one prospective candidate.
Neither Karytko or Stanton could be reached for comment on their withdrawals.
Republicans will caucus to choose replacements — in Kennebunk, the Republican Town Committee will call the caucus. In Senate District 31, which includes Hollis, Limington, Old Orchard Beach, Saco, and part of Buxton, Republicans from those communities will caucus to choose a replacement candidate.
York County Democratic Committee vice co-chair Joseph Hanslip said Democrats in District 6 will caucus and choose a candidate to replace incumbent Rep. Jennifer E. Parker in House District 6, which includes parts of North and South Berwick. Parker withdrew Thursday, according to information posted at the Maine Secretary of State’s website.
No caucus dates have been announced.
As of 4 p.m. on Thursday, 17 Republicans and six Democrats statewide have withdrawn from the November race — eight Senate candidates and 15 candidates for the Maine House of Representatives.
— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.
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