Ben Higgins has announced he's not running for public office in Colorado after all.
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Following two days of reports Higgins officially decided to run as a Republican for a seat in House District 4 in the November 8 general election, the latest The Bachelor star revealed on his official campaign website Friday he is no longer in the political race.
"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," Higgins wrote in a statement.
"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."
The Denver native had every intention to face off against Democrat Dan Pabon, the current Colorado State Representative for District 4, which is predominantly Democratic.
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Higgins joined the political race after small business owner William "Willie" B. Pinkston withdrew his candidacy earlier this month, according to The Denver Post. In late May, Pinkston said he'd "step aside" for Higgins if the reality TV star officially decided to run for the Colorado House of Representatives.
"He's a great guy and likely the only other Republican who can win," Pinkston had told the newspaper.
Higgins found fame when he competed for Kaitlyn Bristowe on The Bachelorette and finished in third place. He then got chosen to star on Season 20 of The Bachelor, which concluded with him getting engaged to Lauren Bushnell. The couple is now filming a reality series titled Ben and Lauren: Happily Ever After for Fall 2016 debut on Freeform network.
It's remains unknown whether the new Freeform reality series had something to do with Higgins' need to withdraw from his political pursuit.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski