A state representative who led protests against the state’s efforts to control coronavirus in Maine resigned his seat in the legislature, saying he must go take care of the family farm now that his wife is dead from COVID, Maine public news service Maine Public reports.
Chris Johansen sent a letter of resignation on November 19th to Democratic House Speaker Ryan Fecteau stating he resigned effective immediately. Johansen said he was able to serve in the state house due to his wife’s dedication to take care of the farm. His wife, Cindy, who also fought against mask and vaccine mandates, died in mid-August of COVID, and now, Johansen must take care of the farm himself. Both Johansen and his wife contracted COVID in July.