State Rep. Lance Harvell, R-Farmington, who has held the seat for the past six years, chose not to run for re-election in order to spend more time with his family.

“I will miss the Legislature, but am excited that Andy is running. He is a hard worker and is dedicated to serving the people of our community,” Harvell said.

“Rep. Harvell will be missed at the State House, but we’re thrilled to have Andy on board. He is an excellent candidate and the people of Farmington and New Sharon would be fortunate to have him as their elected representative,” Maine House Minority Leader Ken Fredette, R-Newport, said.

Buckland is serving his first term on the Farmington Board of Selectmen. He has lived in Franklin County since 1989 and is a graduate of the University of Maine at Farmington. A former teacher and former staff member of the Department of Environmental Protection, Buckland owns a small business.

“I am honored and humbled to have been chosen as the Republican candidate in this race,” Buckland said. “Maine needs common-sense policy to keep our economy moving and to ensure that our children have a prosperous future ahead of them. I have four children, and I get frustrated when I see young people leave the state because they don’t believe there are opportunities here for them. Serving in Augusta will be an opportunity to help change that,” Buckland said.