The Republican candidate in Senate District 32 has withdrawn from the race, citing a medical issue. Stephen Martin, a retired police officer, notified the Secretary of State’s Office this week that a medical issue would prevent him from doing the job if he were elected in November. York County Republicans now have until Aug. 18 to select a new candidate to run against incumbent Susan Deschambault, a Democrat from Biddeford.

The deadline for selecting replacement candidates was July 25, but the York County Republicans will be allowed to select a new candidate for the District 32 race because Martin’s withdrawal was determined to be a special exemption allowed under law. Under state law, a replacement candidate can be nominated after the original candidate withdraws due to a “catastrophic illness that permanently and continuously incapacitates” and would prevent the candidate from performing the duties of the office.

The Secretary of State’s Office officially declared the vacancy Thursday evening, clearing the way for the York County Republicans to hold a caucus to select a new candidate by 5 p.m. Aug. 18.

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

Martin lost a special election for the District 32 seat in March. Deschambault was elected to replace former Sen. David Dutremble, who resigned for personal reasons.