AUGUSTA

Portland Democratic Sen. Justin Alfond is likely to become president of the Maine Senate, while third-term Sen. Seth Goodall of Richmond is expected to become majority leader when newly elected Maine lawmakers hold caucus votes today.

Also, a three-way race among Democrats for House speaker is shaping up.

This much is clear: The cast of leaders is going to have a much different look in the 2013-14 session due to voters’ choices in last week’s elections, which turned a Democratic minority into the ruling party.

With the Democratic majority, some of the new leadership team is clear already. And signs of the impending changes are appearing in the State House, where partisan staffs are packing up their offices for moves to different quarters due to the new tilt in the balance of power.

Unofficial figures show the Democrats with a 19-15 edge in the Senate, where one independent was elected. The House breakdown appeared to be 87-60 and four independents. But seven recounts had formally been requested by the close of business Friday, and election officials may be asked to schedule more.

Alfond, who is beginning his third term after serving as assistant Senate minority leader, faces no challenge within his party for president, virtually assuring him of the job. When the caucus votes today, it is also expected to elect third-term Sen. Troy Jackson of Allagash as assistant majority leader.

The new Republican minority in the Senate has started things off already by holding its caucus to elect floor leaders on Friday, unanimously electing Sen. Mike Thibodeau of Winterport as minority leader and Sen. Roger Katz of Augusta as assistant minority leader.

The House Republicans will elect their leaders Wednesday. Two candidates have lined up for the minority leader’s post: Reps. Paul Davis of Sangerville, who’s served six Senate and House terms, and ran for House speaker two years ago, and Ken Fredette of Newport, who’s starting his second term.

Davis, a former Senate leader, said he’s taking nothing for granted.

“I’ve got an idea it’ll be two or three votes either way,” said Davis, who like other leadership candidates has worked for multiple campaigns of GOP candidates leading up to elections.

Four Republicans were reported to be running for assistant floor leader, including Reps. Deborah Sanderson of Chelsea, Alex Willette of Mapleton, and Jeff Timberlake of Turner. Brian Duprey of Hampden, a former legislator who is returning to the House, is the fourth candidate.

On the Democratic side, the race for House speaker includes Rep. Terry Hayes of Buckfield, the current assistant Democratic leader; fourth-term Rep. Michael Carey of Lewiston, and Rep. Mark Eves of North Berwick, who’s starting his third term.

Democrats will choose between Reps. Seth Berry of Bowdoinham and Mark Dion of Portland for majority leader. The race for assistant Democratic leader features Rep. Jeff McCabe of Skowhegan, Anne Graham of North Yarmouth and James Dill of Old Town. The lists could change before the actual votes if some candidates drop out.

The internal party jockeying sets the scene for nominations and final votes for the Senate president and House speaker after the 126th Legislature is sworn in Dec. 5.

It also comes as the fields of candidates for secretary of state, treasurer, attorney general and auditor, who will also be elected on opening day, fill out.

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