AUGUSTA — A new poll shows Republican Sen. Susan Collins leading Democrat Troy Jackson in the race for the U.S. Senate.
It’s the first poll since Jackson entered the race in late July to show Collins with a lead, according to the New York Times/Portland Press Herald/Sienna survey.
The poll shows Collins at 49% and Jackson at 46%. The poll was conducted Sept. 15-22, which is mostly before a ProPublica story critical of Collins published on Tuesday.
Another data point in the poll is favorability ratings for each candidate. In Jackson’s case, 49% said they have a very or somewhat unfavorable opinion of him, with 41% at very or somewhat favorable.
On Collins, 51% said they have a very or somewhat favorable opinion of her, with 48% at very or somewhat unfavorable.
The Collins vs. Jackson matchup has national implications, with Republicans fighting to hold the seat and control of the Senate. Democrats hope to flip the seat as part of a strategy to win at least four Republican-held seats to regain the majority.
