There are 37 legislative candidates who dropped out of their respective races as of Monday, giving their parties until July 24 to replace them on the ballot.
Of the group, seven were running for the Senate and 30 for the House. There were 26 Republicans, nine Democrats and two Greens.
Candidates had to declare their intention to quit by Monday in order to be replaced and 16 did so right on the last day. Party caucuses will now be held to replace candidates. Anyone who drops out now will leave their party without a representative in their race.
Two incumbents dropped out – Rep. Arthur Lerman, D-Augusta, who cited employment concerns, and Rep. Jeff Kaelin, R-Winterport, after being charged with operating under the influence.
Former Rep. Maitland Richardson, who said he was just a placeholder, dropped out of his race for Senate in Somerset County, clearing the way for Sen. Peter Mills to run for his old seat after losing in the Republican primary for governor.
In total, six Republican Senate candidates dropped out of their races, and one Green.
Locally they include former Sen. Carolyn Gilman of Westbrook, who dropped out of her race against incumbent Sen. Philip Bartlett, a Democrat from Gorham. And, Republican Patricia Stasinowsky, who dropped out of her race against Senate President Beth Edmonds of Freeport.
In House races, 20 Republicans, nine Democrats and one Green dropped out.
Locally those affected races including District 33 for the seat currently held by Rep. Ed Dugay, D-Cherryfield, who is termed out. Democrat Peter Weil has dropped out of the race. The Republican candidate is Joseph Tibbetts.
In District 65, Republican Richard Tetrev has dropped out of the race against incumbent Rep. Carol Grose, D-Woolwich. In District 66, Republican Gardiner Holland has dropped out in his race against incumbent Rep. Stan Gerzofsky, D-Brunswick. Green Candidate David Frans also is running in that race.
In District 103, Democrat Mark Gendron has dropped out of the race against incumbent Rep. John Robinson, R-Raymond. In District 106, Republican Vincent Migliaccio has dropped out in the race against incumbent Rep. David Webster, D-Freeport.
In District 127, for a seat held by Rep. Darlene Curley, R-Scarborough, who is running for Congress, Republican Kimberly Diamond has dropped out in a race against Democrat Shawn Babine.
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