AUGUSTA – Maine election officials say a recount of ballots in Senate District 19 has confirmed Democrat Seth Goodall of Richmond defeated the Republican incumbent, Paula Benoit of Phippsburg.

Benoit had requested the recount of votes cast Nov. 4. Election night results indicated Goodall had won. The Secretary of State’s Office says yesterday’s recount upheld the election night outcome, with 11,119 votes for Goodall and 10,957 votes for Benoit.

Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap says that by having paper ballots cast in every statewide and local race, the state has the ability to provide a solid and verifiable audit of the outcome of any contest.

With Friday’s recount, Democrats will have 20 seats in the new Senate, compared with 15 for Republicans.