Maine lawmakers are preparing to start a new two-year session on Dec. 4 after a series of hotly contested races. Democrats have retained majorities in both the House and Senate, although the House margin has narrowed compared to the previous session. Recounts in several races showed no changes to the election night results, with Democrats holding 76 seats in the House, Republicans with 73, and two independents. In the Senate, Democrats have a 20-15 majority. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows reported a record number of recounts this election cycle, with several races being decided by margins of less than 1%. One race in the Sanford area ended in an election night tie, with the incumbent Republican ultimately winning by one vote after a recount. On Dec. 4, 186 new legislators will be sworn in, and new leaders will be chosen for the chambers. Former House Speaker Ryan Fecteau is the nominee for Democrats, while Sen. Mattie Daughtry is up for Senate president. Once the full Legislature is seated, lawmakers will convene to choose the attorney general, secretary of state, and treasurer.
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