Tight race between Scott Franklin, Alan Cohn in congressional district 15

A new poll done by the Democratic Party shows Democrat Alan Cohn narrowly trailing Republican Scott Franklin in Congressional District 15, according to an announcement from Cohn.

The campaign said the poll showed Franklin up 48-45 percent, a lead less than the poll’s 5-point error margin. It said that shows Cohn has gained ground after trailing 7 points in a similar poll in September.

Campaigns don’t typically release the results of internal polls, especially if they show the candidate trailing. Dems hope to emphasize that Cohn has a chance to win in the GOP-leaning district covering East Hillsborough, Lakeland and Clermont where they say they’ve made gains in voter registration and performance in the past few election cycles.

Jenkins-Toledo poll shows tight race

A poll done by the state Democratic Party for state House candidate Julie Jenkins shows Jenkins within 3 points of incumbent Jackie Toledo, R-Tampa, Jenkins' campaign says.

Campaign spokesman Roger Austin said the poll shows Jenkins gaining ground after trailing by 6 points a month ago.

The poll showed Toledo leading 42-39 with a 4.9-point error margin.

Tampa Bay Times elections coverage

VOTER GUIDE IS COMING SOON: The Tampa Bay Times will publish a special election section Sunday, Oct. 18, with information on local races. You can also access our Know Your Candidates guide at tampabay.com/voterguide.

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT VOTING IN FLORIDA? WE HAVE THE ANSWERS: We’ve compiled information on voter registration deadlines, rules for voting by mail and more.

AMENDMENTS: State constitutional amendments on the 2020 ballot, explained.

FELONY CONVICTION? Here are Florida’s rules for registering to vote.

MAIL-IN BALLOTS: So you want to vote by mail in Florida? Here’s what you need to know.

POSTAL SERVICE CONCERNS: What’s going on with the U.S. Postal Service and should Florida be worried?

SIGN UP FOR ELECTION TEXT MESSAGES: Get voting information, news updates and ask political editor Steve Contorno questions about the candidates and issues, directly through your phone.

We’re working hard to bring you the latest news on the coronavirus in Florida. This effort takes a lot of resources to gather and update. If you haven’t already subscribed, please consider buying a print or digital subscription.