Republican candidate Wesley Meredith is leading Tony Rand’s replacement in the state Senate 42-38 percent, according to a new Civitas poll.

Margaret Dickson, a former House member, was appointed in January to complete Rand’s term after he resigned. The district compromises Bladen and Cumberland counties.

The poll found good numbers for Meredith among “most likely” voters in November:

Support for Meredith increases to 49 percent of voters polled, who are most likely to vote in November, while 35 percent of likely voters said they would vote for Dickson. Additionally, 44 percent of Independent voters said they would vote for Meredith, while 17 percent said they would likely cast their vote for Dickson.

?Unaffiliated voters are trending toward voting Republican this year,? said Civitas Institute Senior Legislative Analyst Chris Hayes. ?Meredith benefits and can win if this trend continues through Election Day.?