Maine Senate Candidate Advocates for Government Intervention in Property Ownership

<p>Troy Jackson, a Democrat running for the Maine Senate, suggested that the government should have the authority to take over private property when necessary. His comments have drawn attention as they align with the housing agenda of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.</p><p>Jackson's remarks came during a visit to Blueberry Ridge Mobile Village, where he discussed issues faced by residents in mobile home parks, including rising costs and inadequate services from landlords. "It’s a major issue. The greed that's happening right now in this country that people in mobile home parks are feeling is like something I've never seen," Jackson stated.</p><p>He further elaborated, saying, "The other thing that I do hear a lot about, too, is how [landlords] won't do anything for services. And that is completely unfair and not right. And we have to make that change. I feel strongly that if needed, the state should be able to come in [and] take these places over." Jackson emphasized the need for government intervention to prevent private equity from profiting excessively from mobile home parks.</p><p>During his visit, Jackson highlighted the struggles of residents, including rising lot rental fees that can reach $850. He expressed empathy for their situation, stating, "I just can't imagine owning a home and feeling the threat that you do daily and getting the squeeze and not being able to afford that."</p><p>Jackson's proposal mirrors elements of Mamdani’s housing agenda, which advocates for using government power to transfer control of troubled properties to tenants, nonprofits, or community organizations. Mamdani's Block by Block housing plan, released in May, calls for legal action against negligent landlords and the transfer of neglected properties to community land trusts or tenants.</p><p>Jackson has been endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in his previous gubernatorial primary bid. His comments have drawn criticism, with some labeling him a "Communist" for his stance on property rights. Lt. Col. Tony Shaffer [Ret.] expressed his disapproval on social media, stating, "Another full-on Communist running for office," and accused Jackson of wanting to violate the rights of Mainers.</p><p>The Republican National Committee also responded to Jackson's comments, tweeting, "Troy Jackson wants the government to seize private property from Mainers."</p><p>Maine law currently allows mobile home park residents a limited opportunity to purchase their park when it is for sale, providing them with 60 days to submit an offer after receiving notice of the sale.</p><p>Fox News Digital reached out to Jackson’s and Collins’ campaigns and Mamdani for comment.</p>