BANGOR (AP) – A state legislator arrested for drunken driving announced that he won’t be seeking re-election after all.

Rep. Jeff Kaelin, R-Winterport, said he decided after a “tough couple of weeks” that’s best that he drop out of the race.

“I continue to care deeply about the challenges and issues that face the people of Maine. However, after several days of reflection upon recent events, I have concluded this is not the right time for me to pursue re-election for House District 42 seat,” Kaelin said in a statement issued Thrusday.

The two-term lawmaker said he will plead guilty to the OUI charge when he appears in Bangor District Court on July 20.

Police said Kaelin’s blood-alcohol level was 0.13 percent, which exceeds the legal limit of 0.08 percent, when his pickup truck sideswiped another vehicle in the parking lot of the Sea Dog Brewing Co. in Bangor.

Police said that after the incident, Kaelin sought to minimize his offense by suggesting they should be focusing on other things.

A week later, Kaelin apologized for his actions and to the officer who arrested him. He also said at the time that he planned to seek a third term.

Kaelin’s attorney, Jeffrey Silverstein, said he expects Kaelin, a first-time offender, to be ordered to pay a fine and perform community service. His driver’s license would be suspended for 90 days, as well.

Mike Thibodeau, a businessman from Winterport, has agreed to take Kaelin’s place on the November ballot but that will require the endorsement of county Republican leaders, said Josh Tardy, assistant Republican House leader.

If he’s selected, Thibodeau would face Democrat Donna Gilbert of Winterport, who defeated Joe Brooks, 237-to-189, in a recount.

Going into the election, the Maine House is made up of 74 Democrats, 73 Republicans, 1 Green Independent and 3 unenrolled members. The Democrats currently hold a 19-16 advantage in the Senate.