DES MOINES (AP) — House Democrats on Wednesday rewarded their top leaders for last week’s election victories by giving them new terms and a chance to steer the party in the upcoming legislative session.

Democrats re-elected Pat Murphy of Dubuque as speaker and Kevin McCarthy of Des Moines as majority leader.

Emerging Wednesday from a private meeting, leaders promised Democrats would focus on middle-class, pocketbook issues during the next session.

“We want to focus on mainstream issues,” said Murphy.

McCarthy said Democrats will focus on alternative energy, the economy and education.

“Democrats are committed to keeping our promises, focusing on the bread and butter issues that Iowans care about and keeping the state’s fiscal house in order,” said McCarthy.

Dealing with the state budget will be difficult as some projections show built-in spending increases already outpacing projected revenues by as much as $600 million.

Also Wednesday, Democrats elected Rep. Polly Bukta, D-Clinton, as speaker pro tem.

Assistant leaders will be Reps. Ako Abdul-Samad, of Des Moines; Elesha Gayman, of Davenport; Mike Reasoner, of Creston; and John Whitaker, of Hillsboro.

In the House, Democrats saw their numbers grow by three seats and now hold a 56-44 edge. There are a couple of close races where recounts are likely, possibly changing the final breakdown.

The issue, however, will be the size of the Democratic majority, not which party will run the chamber. The election last week solidified Democratic control of state government, with the party holding the House, Senate and governor’s office.

Democrats expanded their majority in the Senate by two seats, building a 32-18 margin that’s their biggest ever.

Senate Democrats plan to meet Sunday to elect their leaders, but little change is expected. No one has challenged Majority Leader Michael Gronstal of Council Bluffs or Senate President Jack Kibbie of Emmetsburg.

It’s a different story for Senate Republicans, who will meet Monday to pick new leaders. Senate Minority Leader Ron Wieck of Sioux City has been criticized for the continuing loss of GOP seats, but it’s far from clear if a challenger will emerge.

House Republican replaced their floor leader earlier in the week because of similar worries.

Democrats planned to meet against next month to begin crafting a legislative agenda, which they have said will be limited due to the slowing economy and a big tab for flood repairs.