BIDDEFORD (AP) – Democrat Stephen Beaudette won a three-way race Tuesday to fill a Maine House seat left vacant by the resignation of former Rep. Marie Laverriere-Boucher.

Beaudette collected 428 votes, far surpassing Green Independent Dorothy Lafortune’s 226 votes and Republican Brian Pooler’s 33 votes.

The balance of power was not at stake in Tuesday’s special election. With Beaudette’s victory, Democrats enjoy an 81-66 lead over Republicans in the House. One seat is held by a Green and three by unenrolled members.

Democrats also control the Senate 18-17.

Beaudette will finish the term of Laverriere-Boucher, who stepped down because job responsibilities were interfering with her legislative duties in Augusta. Beaudette said he has not decided whether he’ll run again in November.

AP-ES-02-03-04 2302EST