Maine Democrats will control at least 18 seats in the state Senate, and possibly 20, based on unofficial election night results.

Democrats held on to all 18 seats they previously held and it appears they have won two that are currently filled by Republicans. However, those races are close enough that recounts may be requested.

In Senate District 15, results show Rep. Deborah Simpson, D-Auburn, defeating incumbent Sen. Lois Snowe-Mello, R-Poland, said Senate Majority Leader Elizabeth Mitchell, D-Vassalboro.

And in Senate District 19, Democrat Seth Goodall of Richmond defeated incumbent Sen. Paula Benoit, R-Phippsburg, according to unofficial results.

Mitchell said a big win by Democratic Sen. Barack Obama in the presidential race helped Maine Democrats. But, she said a win by Republican Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, tempered the results.

"When (voters) got into the booth, they were not bound in any way," she said.