Politician Accused of Strangling Wife Wins Reelection by a Single Vote

In a twist that defies political norms and morality, Maine State Representative Lucas Lanigan has clinched reelection by a razor-thin margin—just one vote—despite facing charges of domestic violence aggravated assault.

Lanigan, a Republican, now faces growing calls for his resignation amid public outcry over allegations he choked his wife during an argument about his alleged affair.

Lanigan’s reelection battle against Democratic challenger Patty Kidder was initially declared a tie after the November 5 count. However, a recount awarded Lanigan victory with 2,478 votes to Kidder’s 2,477. “Rather than the apparent tie from Election Night results, Rep. Lanigan is now the Representative-elect,” confirmed Emily Cook, spokesperson for the Maine Secretary of State’s Office.

Lanigan took to Facebook, stating, “This election serves as a powerful reminder that every vote truly counts.”

The controversy surrounding Lanigan stems from an October 25 incident at a storage facility in Springvale, Maine. According to police reports, Lanigan’s wife, Catalina, confronted him over his alleged infidelity, which led to a heated argument. During the dispute, Lanigan allegedly choked her for “approximately 20 seconds,” according to a police affidavit.

After escaping, Catalina reported the assault and was taken to Maine Medical Center, where doctors found bruising on her neck and injuries to her face consistent with strangulation. Lanigan, who was on a business trip at the time, turned himself in on October 28.

Lanigan’s bail was set at $3,000, and his next court appearance is scheduled for March. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Catalina later requested that the charges be dropped, calling the incident a “misunderstanding.”

Despite the charges, Lanigan remained defiant. “I have thick skin, but for my family, enough is enough! I will be fighting not only these ridiculous charges,” he wrote in another social media post.

The election outcome has sparked outrage across Maine, with House Democrats demanding Lanigan’s immediate resignation. “We are stunned, dismayed, and horrified by the details of the charges against Rep. Lanigan,” the party said in a statement. “Domestic violence of any kind is unacceptable. He is unfit to serve.”

Speaker of the House Rachel Talbot Ross echoed the sentiment, declaring Lanigan had “violated the demands for integrity and accountability required of public servants.”

Kidder, who conceded the race, addressed the situation in a post-election statement: “You deserve to love and be loved, safe and respected.”

Lanigan’s case underscores the thin line between personal scandal and public office. While some supporters argue his innocence until proven guilty, critics question the ethics of allowing someone facing such grave allegations to serve in government.

The stunning outcome leaves Maine’s legislature—and its voters—grappling with the implications of accountability, justice, and the power of a single vote.