State lawmaker arrested for strangling partner after argument over affair in warehouse

SANFORD, Maine (AP) — Maine Democrats called on a Republican state lawmaker to resign Wednesday in light of accusations that he strangled his partner after she confronted him about having an affair.

State Rep. Lucas Lanigan turned himself in Monday on domestic violence and aggravated assault charges. A police affidavit in the case says Lanigan’s partner confronted him and a woman at a warehouse in Sanford, and Lanigan then choked his partner for about 20 seconds.

When his partner was taken to hospital, it was learned that he had bruises on his neck and other injuries.

Bev Uhlenhake, who chairs the Maine Democratic Party, said Wednesday that Lanigan should resign from the House and abandon his re-election campaign.

“The allegations are appalling and go well beyond conduct that would be tolerated by anyone who claims or wishes to represent us as Mainers in the state legislature,” Uhlenhake said.

Billy Bob Faulkingham, the Republican leader of the Maine House, did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment on calls for Lanigan’s resignation.

A York County Jail representative said Lanigan remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court later Wednesday. He is expected to be defended by an attorney who represents recently arrested defendants, prison officials said.

Lanigan represents Sanford-area communities in the Legislature. He served on the Sanford City Council from 2016 to 2021 before being elected to the Maine Assembly.