The Bulldog reports that Republican Lance Harvell has defeated Democrat Dennis Haszko to win the special election in House District 89. Harvell won by a 2 to 1 margin to take the seat vacated by Democratic Attorney General Janet Mills. He will represent the towns of Farmington and Industry.

Harvell garnered 1,235 votes to Haszko’s 617.

One seat changing hands will have a minuscule effect on the balance of power in the House. Democrats still hold a 40-seat advantage (95D, 55R).

During his campaign, Harvell pledged to work to cut funding to the Department of Health and Human Services and to end the Dirigo Health Program.