Democrat Phil Bredesen holds a three-point lead over Republican Marsha Blackburn in the race for U.S. Senate, a poll released today shows.

The April Mason-Dixon Tennessee poll shows Bredesen has 46 percent voter support statewide, while Blackburn comes in at 43 percent. Eleven percent are undecided.

Former Gov. Phil Bredesen and U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (Photo: The Tennessean)

The poll includes a sample of 625 registered Tennessee voters from across the state. Of those, 182 identified as Democrats, 238 as Republicans and 205 as independent. They were interviewed by phone over the course of three days in April.

Most of Bredesen's support comes from West and Middle Tennessee, with a 10 percent average lead over Blackburn. Blackburn leads in eastern parts of the state, which are traditionally more Republican, the poll shows.

Blackburn's support is stronger among men, white voters and Republicans, though 12 percent of Republicans showed support for Democrat Bredesen. Bredesen has more support among women, voters under the age of 50, black voters, Democrats and independents. Only 4 percent of Democrats said they would vote for Republican Blackburn.

Both candidates have relatively equal recognition, but Bredesen has an 8 percent higher favorability. This is despite Blackburn having received endorsements from both President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence on Twitter.

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The poll was still being conducted on April 19 when President Donald Trump tweeted his support for Blackburn.

"@MarshaBlackburn is a wonderful woman who has always been there when we have needed her," Trump posted on Twitter. "Great on the Military, Border Security and Crime. Loves and works hard for the people of Tennessee. She has my full endorsement and I will be there to campaign with her!"

Pence followed suit four days later, calling her a "critical ally."

U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., however, has praised Bredesen but said he still plans to support Blackburn.

Contact staff writer Rosana Hughes at rhughes@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6327 with tips or story ideas. Follow her on Twitter @Hughes Rosana.