PORTLAND — Teachers, school support staff and unionized college professors are backing former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson in the race for the U.S. Senate.
The National Education Association and the Maine Education Association on Wednesday praised Jackson, a Democrat, for his votes to raise teacher and support staff salaries, provide free meals to all children, help lower the cost of childcare and maintain 55% state funding for local schools.
“We support those who value the role of public education in supporting our communities, our economies and strengthening the fabric of our democracy,” said Jesse Hargrove, president of the MEA.
The MEA is the largest union in Maine, representing more than 24,000 current and retired educators and support staff, including college professors.
At a union hall in Portland on Wednesday, they criticized Jackson’s opponent, Republican Sen. Susan Collins, for voting to confirm President Trump’s Education Secretary Linda McMahon.
“Voters in Maine have a real, generational opportunity to elect a champion this November,” said Robert Rodriguez, secretary-treasurer of the National Education Association. “NEA pledges here today that the largest labor union in this country is going to knock on every door, make every phone call.”
According to the Jackson campaign, more than 20 unions have endorsed his candidacy.
Earlier this week, Collins earned the backing of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine and on Thursday, she is scheduled to receive the endorsement of the National Federation of Independent Business.
A new poll released Wednesday by CNN shows a tight race, with Jackson at 48% and Collins at 45%, which is within the margin of error.
The race in Maine is one of a handful of Senate contests across the country Democrats are hoping to win to take over control of the chamber following the Nov. 3 election.
Collins is seeking a sixth term to the Senate and is touting the federal funds she’s brought to Maine to support projects across the state.
Jackson is a former logger from Allagash who served more than 20 years in the Maine Legislature, including six as Senate President.
While accepting the education endorsements on Thursday, he said his mother worked as a special education teacher and other members of his family have worked in education as well.
“Working people are not powerless,” he said. “We are made to feel like we’re powerless when we stand alone. And that’s the way they want us, to be separated, divided so that we never are able to pick our heads up, never able to do anything to capture that power and build the life that we want.”