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Bachelor Ben Higgins is no longer running for state representative in Colorado.

Posted at 1:13 PM, Jul 22, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-22 21:31:24-04

DENVER, Colo. -- Bachelor Ben Higgins is no longer running for state representative in Colorado.

After filing his paperwork last week to run as a Republican for House District 4, in the Denver Highlands, Higgins put out a statement Friday saying he is out of the 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 circumstances beyond my control, I will not be able to move forward as a candidate. 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," Higgins shared on his campaign website.

Denver7 reached out to Higgins' political advisor, who is still in Cleveland where the Republican National Convention just ended.

"We had everything set up. We had donors lined up. We had a website ready to launch. We had an official launch, a kickoff rally next week which we expected 1,000 people at. The (Colorado Republican) Party and local party leaders were engaged and onboard with helping. Everything was in motion and then Ben was forced to drop out. Ben, and the rest of us, are incredibly disappointed," said Olson.

As of Friday afternoon, the Secretary of State's Office had not received paperwork withdrawing his candidacy.

Higgins was going to challenge State Rep. Dan Pabon, D-Denver. On Tuesday, Pabon pleaded guilty to driving under the influence. On Wednesday, Denver7 obtained the body camera video from the officer who pulled Pabon over and conducted his roadside tests. Pabon's blood alcohol content level was .14. DUI is .08.

Sources familiar with the situation told Denver7 political reporter Marshall Zelinger that Disney forced him out of the race.

Higgins is about to star in a show on the network Freeform, which used to be ABC Family, and Disney owns ABC.

The sources said that Disney and Freeform were on board with Higgins running for office, but then got cold feet.

As winner of the Bachelor, Denver7 is told that Higgins has a restrictive two-year contract.

"Basically they control his life," said one source.

One source said that there were threats to cancel Higgins new show on Freeform, along with other work on ABC properties.

A source said that Higgins' contract as winner of the Bachelor gives Disney the rights to his wedding for two years.

Continuing his run for the Capitol would have impacted his ability to provide for his family, said one source.

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