Maine Senate candidate Troy Jackson has drawn criticism for suggesting that the state should have the authority to take over private mobile home parks when necessary to address substandard conditions or utility issues. Jackson, a Democrat running to represent Maine in the Senate, made the remarks to residents at Blueberry Ridge Mobile Village in Wells, Maine, addressing concerns about high costs and poor living conditions.
Jackson stated that if landlords fail to provide adequate services, the state should intervene. "I feel strongly that if needed, the state should be able to come in [and] take these places over," Jackson said. He added that until residents can form cooperatives, there should be a mechanism to prevent private equity firms from profiting excessively from these parks. Jackson also highlighted issues like high lot rental fees, which he said have approached $850 for some residents, and showed a sample of brown tap water provided by a resident.
These comments have drawn comparisons to the housing agenda of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has also advocated for government intervention in housing. Mamdani's "Block by Block" housing plan includes pursuing legal action against negligent landlords and transferring chronically neglected properties to community land trusts or tenants. Jackson, like Mamdani, has received endorsements from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in past political bids.
The Republican National Committee criticized Jackson's remarks, tweeting that he "wants the government to seize private property from Mainers." Others have labeled Jackson's stance as "Communist" and "Stalinist." Jackson's campaign and that of Mamdani were contacted for comment.
Maine law already provides a pathway for mobile home park residents to gain ownership. Under Title 10, Section 9094-A of Maine law, residents or their associations have a first option to purchase a park when it is put up for sale, generally with 60 days to submit an offer after notice of a sale.
