Two area Republicans were among several across the state who unseated Democrats to join a Republican surge into the Maine Legislature.
Republican Scott Cyrway, 59, of Benton, defeated Democratic incumbent Colleen Lachowicz in a race to represent Senate District 16, which includes Albion, Benton, Clinton, Unity Township, Waterville and Winslow.
In the House, Bradlee Farrin, 50, of Norridgewock, defeated Democratic incumbent Ann Dorney, 61, also of Norridgewock, in a race to represent House District 111. The district includes Madison, Norridgewock and Solon. “It was an awesome race,” said Cyrway, a retired deputy with the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office who said he decided to run at the urging of a DARE student.
“I did it because he asked me to do it, but also because I’ve always wanted to help the people of Maine,” said Cyrway late Tuesday night. “In law enforcement I had the opportunity to do that, and I want to continue to do that. I really think it’s an honor, and I want to continue to serve the people the best I can.”
Cyrway defeated Lachowitz by a margin of 8,518 to 6,923, with results reported from every community in the district except Unity Township. Lachowitz, who won her hometown of Waterville 3,332 to 2,157, did not return a call for comment on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Farrin, a retired command chief with the Maine Air National Guard, said he was humbled to learn that he had won Tuesday’s race for the District 111 seat. The final vote in the race was Farrin, 2,049, Dorney, 1,765.
“I want to thank all the supporters and residents of Madison, Norridgewock and Solon,” he said. “It’s going to be my honor and privilege to serve. I’d like to thank Representative Dorney for her service and hope we can do some bipartisan work and get some things accomplished for folks in the district.”
Dorney declined to comment.
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