DENVER — A reality star who was running for office in Colorado has pulled out of the race.
Ben Higgins starred in season 20 of “The Bachelor” and filed paperwork earlier this week to run for House District 4, which is in Denver.
Disney issued a statement from Higgins on Friday morning.
“I regret that I must withdraw my candidacy. Despite my best efforts to pursue this opportunity in good faith, I recently received information that has made such a pursuit unworkable. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I will not be able to move forward as a candidate. I find solace in knowing that our intentions and actions have been fair and sincere. I entered into this endeavor wanting to bring positive change to my community, and it is with that same spirit that I will move forward, albeit on a different path.”
Higgins, a Republican, was set to run against democratic Rep. Dan Pabon. Pabon was arrested on DUI charges on St. Patrick’s Day. His blood-alcohol content was 0.14.
Higgins’ campaign released a statement Friday afternoon.
“Ben and our team are incredibly disappointed. Ben had worked to develop a strong message and solutions to make a big difference to people in his community, including solutions for affordable housing, protecting the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, defending small businesses, and expanding personal liberty and freedom. Between support from our friends in the Republican Party, building a talented campaign team, and lining up financial support, we were ready to kick off the campaign with huge announcement rally next week. Mostly we are disappointed with the situation because the people who live in House District 4 deserve much better representation. The abuse of power and rank hypocrisy demonstrated by Dan Pabon in his disturbing arrest video, clearly demonstrates Pabon lacks the sound judgment to continue serving in an office of public trust. We agree with the Denver Post that Pabon should do the honorable thing and resign. Sadly, his replacement can’t be Ben Higgins.”
Higgins and his fiancee Lauren Bushnell are going to star in a new show “Ben and Lauren: Happily Ever After,” that will on Freeform in October, according to a Disney representative.