AUGUSTA — A new crop of Maine lawmakers will be sworn in Dec. 4 to start a two-year session following hotly contested races for several seats. 

Democrats retained majorities in the House and Senate, although the House margin has narrowed considerably. With seven recounts completed, one pending and one withdrawn, Democrats hold 76 seats, Republicans have 73 and there are two independents. 

Just two years ago, Democrats started the session with 82 seats, and Republicans held 67 with two independents. 

None of the recounts this year changed election night results, and the one that is pending — a race between independent William Pluecker of Warren and Republican Ray Thombs of Union — shows Pluecker winning by a margin of more than 7%. 

In the Senate, Democrats hold a 20-15 majority. Republicans picked up two seats in that chamber in the past two years. 

Last week, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said her office conducted a record number of recounts this election cycle. Seven House races and two Senate races were decided by a margin of less than 1%. 

And one Sanford area race resulted in an election night tie between incumbent Republican Rep. Lucas Lanigan and Democrat Patricia Kidder. Following a recount, Lanigan was declared the winner by one vote — 2,478 to 2,477. 

All 186 new legislators will be sworn in on Dec. 4, which is also when the chambers will choose new leaders. 

Former House Speaker Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford is the speaker nominee for the Democrats, while Sen. Mattie Daughtry of Brunswick is up to serve as Senate president. 

Once the full Legislature is seated, lawmakers will meet in joint session to choose the attorney general, secretary of state and treasurer.