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Republicans Retain Majority in Maine State Senate

After the most expensive legislative races in state history, Republicans have maintained control of the State Senate, holding 20 seats to the Democrats’ 15 according to unofficial AP results Wednesday morning.

Senate President Mike Thibodeau was jubilant with other Senate Republicans, friends and family, saying he expects the next session of the Legislature will see both parties working together to improve the state.

“It has been a bruising campaign, with Democrats spending $1.7 million against Senate Republicans, with us having about $600,000 to return fire. These races aren’t for sale,” he says.

Thibodeau says it’s the candidate and their message that is important to Maine voters. He believes the new Legislature will be much like the current one, with both parties having to work together to pass legislation to address the problems facing the state.

“We’re really excited about returning to the majority in the state Senate. And we look forward to doing some really important work. Because this isn’t about party, this is about making sure that we make Maine the absolute best place not only to live, but to earn a living,” he says.

Thibodeau says the Legislature convenes in less than a month, with the real work starting in January.

Journalist Mal Leary spearheads Maine Public's news coverage of politics and government and is based at the State House.