PARIS — Two candidates are challenging Rep. John Andrews in the Republican primary for House District 79 in the Maine Legislature in next week’s elections.

Following redistricting since the last state election two years ago, District 79 is comprised of Paris, West Paris, Sumner and Woodstock. Andrews previously represented Paris, Buckfield and Hebron in District 73.

Andrews, a resident of Paris, is seeking his third term in the Legislature. Challenging him are Dannie Abbott of West Paris and Ryan Ricci of Paris.

The winner of the June 14 primary elections will appear on the November ballot and face against Don Berry of Sumner, a Democrat who is running unopposed in the primary.

Andrews, 43, was the former town manager of Buckfield and a former Paris selectman. Besides serving in the Legislature, he works as a substitute teacher and coaches youth football and lacrosse.

“I am running because Republicans have a great opportunity in front of them,” Andrews said. “We have a legitimate shot at a Legislative majority and Paul LePage as governor. That will give us a two-year clock to fix this state.

“We need experienced legislators with a sense of urgency who are ready on Day 1 to eliminate the income tax, support business and defend our constitutional rights,” he said. “I want a Maine that my kids can thrive in as they grow up, get jobs and start families. We owe it to future generations to keep life the way it should be.”

Andrews said inflation and the cost of running a business or household are the biggest issues facing the state.

“I introduced the only bill in the 131st Legislature to lower the state income tax,” Andrews said. “People need to keep more of their take-home pay. That’s how you stimulate the economy and avoid inflation. Individual liberty must be protected from government overreach. I am the only NRA ‘A Rated’ and endorsed candidate in this race. I have a proven track record of defending our gun rights and will continue to lead on that front.”

Andrews ran as a Republican two years ago, but switched his affiliation to Libertarian during his term due a conflict with House leadership over committee assignments. He said he is eagerly back in the Republican party.

“I was elected as a Republican and I am running as a Republican because of the outstanding group of returning Republican legislators who will make up the House Republicans for the 131st Legislature,” he said. “I want to be a part of that group. I want to bring my experience, principles, policy knowledge and drive to that caucus so that we can hit the ground running on Day 1 to enact constitutional and fiscally sound policy that benefits the residents and businesses of Maine.”

Abbott has worked at the Jay paper mill for 30 years and is a firearms instructor. Frustrated with what he describes as an erosion of the people’s constitutional rights during the pandemic, Abbott said he made nine trips to the State House, including stops at the law library to familiarize himself with the laws, statutes and policies

“They were trying to destroy our constitution and strip our rights,” Abbott said. “I decided to run because the loss of our individual and freedom of rights. My campaign is not only about restoring those rights, which include your medical freedoms, your educational freedoms and parental freedoms, it’s the right to choose.”

Describing himself as a “strong constitutionalist,” Abbott said he would fight to restrict future emergency powers by the governor by pushing a requirement to have the Legislature review future declaration every 14 days. He also wants to make it easier for residents to learn what the Legislature is doing in Augusta.

“I want to improve communication with my constituents about what is going on,” he said. “A lot of times I think they intentionally try not to let people know about what’s going on so they can push bills through.

Ricci, 31, is also running for office for the first time. He is the owner of the restaurant 290 Main Street in Norway and serves as coach of the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School freshman girls’ basketball team.

“I’m running because I always believe that change is the one constant,” Ricci said. “We do a lot of amazing things in this state, but I also believe it is ever changing. I want to be part of making that legislation and making sure it is the correct move for my constituents and the state.”

A one-time Democrat, Ricci said it is important for all sides to work together. He feels gridlock between the parties is the biggest obstacle facing the state.

“We need to open up communication,” Ricci said. “If we can’t talk to each other, we’re never never going to find any middle ground, and nothing will ever happen. I think that is one thing our state lacks — the conversation between the two parties.”

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