Troy Jackson has slight edge over Susan Collins, new poll finds

Key Points:

• A new University of New Hampshire poll shows a tight U.S. Senate race in Maine, with Democrat Troy Jackson slightly leading incumbent Republican Susan Collins, 49% to 46%, among likely voters.
• The poll surveyed 1,236 Maine residents between July 15-20 and has a margin of error of +/- 2.8%; Jackson is expected to secure the Democratic nomination at an upcoming convention after previous nominee Graham Platner withdrew amid allegations.
• Jackson leads among Democratic primary voters, with 51% favoring him over rivals Nirav Shah (26%) and Shenna Bellows (11%), following his consolidation of support at county caucuses.
• Collins is viewed favorably by 53% of Mainers for bringing federal funds to the state but holds a lower overall favorability rating (35%) compared to Jackson (37%), with more voters expressing unfavorable opinions of Collins (53%) than Jackson (32%).
• The poll also indicates Democrat Hannah Pingree leads the Maine governor’s race with 49% support, followed by Republican Bobby Charles at 35%, and independent Rick Bennett at 6%, among likely voters.