Maine House Democrats chose former Speaker Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford to once again lead the chamber.

“We are eager to get to work on an agenda that recognizes the needs of all Mainers and addresses the issues that matter most to our communities,” Fecteau said in a statement. “From tackling the high cost of living and ensuring access to quality healthcare, to advancing educational opportunities and increasing the housing supply, we are committed to making real, positive change.”

Democrats hold an apparent 76-seat majority in the 151-member House pending nine recounts.

The caucus met Wednesday to choose their new leaders, nominating Fecteau as speaker, Rep. Matt Moonen of Portland as majority leader and Rep. Lori Gramlich of Old Orchard Beach as assistant majority leader.

Moonen, who served as House chairman of the powerful Judiciary Committee last term, said Democrats “have a strong and diverse caucus.”

“Our caucus also stands ready to defend the fundamental rights and freedoms of all Mainers from any cruel policies that are implemented by the federal government over the next few years,” he said in a statement.

Fecteau previously served as speaker from 2020-2022 and at the time, was the youngest presiding officer in the country and the first openly gay speak in Maine history, according to biographical information posted during his time as a senior advisor with the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future.

House Republicans met last week to choose their leadership for the new two-year session, picking Rep. Billy Bob Faulkingham of Winter Harbor as minority leader and Rep. Katrina Smith of Palermo as assistant leader.

The new Legislature will be sworn-in on Dec. 4. The full House will vote on Fecteau’s nomination as speaker and the Senate — which is controlled by Democrats 20-15 — will vote on the nomination of Sen. Mattie Daughtry (D-Brunswick) as Senate president.