WINDHAM – State Sen. Bill Diamond earned another two years in Augusta with another convincing win in his state Senate race against political newcomer Ann-Marie Grenier.

Diamond, one the leading Democrats in the Senate, survived a surging Republican tide Tuesday to claim the Senate District 12 seat representing six towns in the southern Lakes Region. Because of his popularity with voters on both sides of the political spectrum and experience in Augusta, Diamond will likely play a leadership role in the party, possibly minority leader of the Senate.

“I will run for leader of the Democrats and if successful will look forward to working with Republicans,” Diamond said Wednesday.

While Democrats were in the minority for a short time after the Republican Revolution of 1994, the Democrats have held control of both houses of the Legislature since 1972. Diamond, a former educator and business owner in Windham, considers himself a moderate Democrat and “possibly more fiscally conservative” than his Democrat colleagues. He hopes that translates into a good working relationship with the new leadership.

“People were talking about (the Democrats) losing the Senate but I think the major surprise of the night was the Republicans taking over the House. I’m not sure anybody saw that coming,” said Diamond, who appeared on WCSH Channel 6 as a commentator Tuesday night. “But, I think it’s important for all of us to realize the voters are serious about this and we better listen. If we don’t stay focused and change the direction, voters will likely come back much more frustrated next time.”

Diamond sees the budget as a “huge” first hurdle that will “require bipartisan effort.” As past leader of the Appropriations Committee, Diamond said unanimous budgets, which he and his colleagues provided the past five years, would go a long way in proving to voters that Augusta is working in a bipartisan manner.

Diamond’s challenger, Windham resident Ann-Marie Grenier, did not return calls for comment Wednesday.