Augusta, Maine - Maine Senate hopeful Troy Jackson used an interview over the weekend to distance himself from the Democratic Party's socialist left, but insisted he'll fight for working people.

When asked by CNN's Manu Raju whether he sees himself as a socialist, Jackson was clear: "I don't really consider myself anything. I'm upset a lot at the Democratic Party. What I know is I fight for working-class people."

He pointed out to Raju that he thinks the Democratic Party desperately "needs a shakeup" and a renewed focus on issues that matter to the average voter, such as healthcare. Jackson lamented that "people are suffering" in Maine.

Recent polls have put Jackson a smidge in front of his Republican competitor, near 30-year incumbent Senator Susan Collins. It's a remarkable achievement for a progressive candidate who entered the rate late after the dramatic implosion of Graham Platner's campaign in July.

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A positive left-wing message had made Platner's campaign successful up until its scandal-plagued collapse. It was that success which led Jackson to initially endorse the now-former candidate and it was that success which saw him pick up the progressive mantle.

Popular Twitch streamer and political activist Hasan Piker was part of the push for Jackson to inherit the themes of Platner's campaign, throwing his support behind in in an X post on July 7.

"Amidst calls from all of us [for Platner] to drop out, there's a real populist rage brewing in Maine," Piker wrote.

"If the [Democratic] establishment think that they can risk the Senate majority by not replacing Platner with an acceptable substitute – we will be risking a loss to Susan Collins. Troy Jackson is him!"

Jackson also received the endorsement of Maine's DSA branch during his ultimately-doomed run for Maine Governor. He touted the endorsement at the time.