Story perspectives

Suffolk Poll Shows Troy Jackson Leads by Two Points

By Drooid · Oct 23, 2026, 3:45 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senate candidate Troy Jackson hosted a “Students vs. Billionaires” town hall in Portland, Maine on Oct 22, 2026.
A Suffolk University poll of 500 Maine voters (Oct 8-11) gave Jackson a 2-point lead over Collins, 49% to 47%.
Jackson’s campaign raised more than $20 million this quarter, trailing Collins by under $3 million.

History

Historical Context

In 2016 Bernie Sanders proved a presidential campaign could be funded almost entirely by small donors, raising about $73 million from over one million people with an average $27 gift. The approach inspired progressive leaders such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Maine Senate hopeful Troy Jackson, who now depend on similar grassroots drives. Analysts view the 2026 Maine race as a test of Sanders-style fundraising.

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Story summary

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senate candidate Troy Jackson hosted a “Students vs. Billionaires” town hall in Portland, Maine on Oct 22, 2026.
A Suffolk University poll of 500 Maine voters (Oct 8-11) gave Jackson a 2-point lead over Collins, 49% to 47%.
Jackson’s campaign raised more than $20 million this quarter, trailing Collins by under $3 million.

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