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Senator Susan Collins’ Biddeford constituent office was vandalized with red spray paint reading “Trump” on one door and “whore” on the other. The crude graffiti was photographed and shared on social media, then scrubbed away later the same day. The image shocked Mainers and lit up the hotly contested Maine Senate race.
Immediate reactions: condemnation from both sides
State Senator Matt Harrington posted the photo and called the vandalism “disgusting” and “not the Maine I grew up in.” Senator Collins’ chief of staff said the act is “unacceptable” and that the Biddeford office will stay open and keep serving constituents. Even Democratic nominee Troy Jackson publicly condemned the vandalism, saying there is no place for intimidation in Maine. Biddeford police confirmed they received a call but declined further comment while paint and mess were removed.
How this ties to the Maine Senate race
The vandalism lands in the middle of a tight Maine Senate race where every headline matters. The incident came after heated campaign moments, including criticism of Senator Collins over an FBI probe reported by a news outlet and a campaign line from Troy Jackson saying “Donald Trump owns her.” In a campaign this close, a vandalized office becomes more than a crime scene — it becomes a political talking point and a signal to voters about tone and tactics.
What voters should take from this vandalism
Let’s be clear: vandalism and threats are wrong, no matter the target. Saying that doesn’t mean we ignore the political theater that often follows. Too many in public life preach tolerance, then act like the furious internet when things don’t go their way. Law enforcement should investigate. Local reporters should ask whether this was a random act or a deliberate attempt to intimidate staff and voters. And the media should stop gaslighting the public by pretending decorum only matters when it fits a preferred narrative.
Turn anger into votes, not vandalism
Mainers can do two things right now: condemn the crime and vote. If people want quieter politics, they should stop cheering on vandalism, and they should start using the voting booth instead of spray paint. This episode should remind everyone that the real power in a republic still rests with voters — not vandals, not social media mobs, and not anonymous spray cans. Hold elected officials accountable where it counts: in public, in debate, and at the ballot box.
