BIDDEFORD — Sen. David Dutremble, a Democratic state senator who represents District 32, will resign from the Maine Senate Thursday to focus on recovering from alcohol abuse, Dutremble said in an emailed statement late Tuesday afternoon.

Dutremble, a Biddeford firefighter who also runs an electrical business, was first elected in 2012. On Jan. 14, he announced he would not be running for a third term, saying the demands of the Legislature and his jobs make it hard to spend time with his wife and five children.

Dutremble said in Tuesday’s statement that while that is true, it is also true that he has been battling alcohol abuse.

“For those who are close to me, they know that I thought this was a demon I could fight alone – and, one that I could (fight) with a ‘business as usual’ approach,” Dutremble said. “I’ve learned the hard way that this is not the case. Today, I have made the very hard decision to resign as state senator so that I can focus on my recovery. While this decision has been a painful one, I simply can’t keep living in the same manner. I want to get healthy. I want my family to have the ‘real me’ back – and I can only do that by putting myself and my family first.”

Dutremble went on to say he is “incredibly grateful” for having served his constituents. “I have been humbled and honored to be their voice at the State House,” he said.

District 32 includes Alfred, Arundel, Biddeford, Dayton, Kennebunkport and Lyman.

Reacting to the news, Linda Valentino, a Democratic state senator from Saco, said in an email Tuesday night that she wishes Dutremble and his family all the best in dealing with the issue.

“During his time in the Senate, Sen. Dutremble has been a strong advocate for his constituents,” Valentino said.

Rep. Martin Grohman, D-Biddeford, also wished Dutremble the best of luck and said he has his strongest support in an email Tuesday night.

“I applaud David for making this decision for himself and his family,” Grohman said.

Kristen Muszynski, spokeswoman for the Maine Secretary of State’s Office, said in an email Tuesday that the state constitution requires a special election to fill a vacancy in the Senate. The governor calls for a special election, and then the parties caucus to present nominees, Muszynski said.

On Jan. 15, a day after Dutremble announced he would not be seeking reelection, two declared bids for his seat: former Biddeford mayor and former Democratic state legislator Joanne Twomey and Stephen Martin, a bail commissioner and retired police officer who said he would seek the Republican nomination.

— Staff Writer Angelo J. Verzoni can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 329 or [email protected].