Biddeford graffiti demands strong condemnation | Letter
Biddeford — An apparent act of political vandalism targeting U.S. Sen. Susan Collins’ campaign office in Biddeford has drawn condemnation and added a new flashpoint to Maine’s 2026 Senate race. Early this week, unknown individuals spray-painted a hateful, sexist slur on the door of the downtown office, officials and a local letter writer said. The defacement was discovered Monday morning and has since been the subject of an active investigation.
The incident unfolded against the backdrop of one of the most competitive U.S. Senate contests in the state this cycle, as Collins seeks another term. While the race has largely been fought on policy and records, the vandalism has intensified rhetoric on both sides. Troy Jackson, Senate Majority Leader and the leading Democrat in the 2026 race, released a statement Tuesday calling the act “deplorable” and vowed that such tactics would not silence Maine voters.
“Vandalism and hateful language have no place in our communities or at the ballot box,” Jackson said. “Maine people deserve campaigns that focus on the issues that matter—health care, the economy, and our future—not intimidation and criminal damage.”
A letter to the editor published this week by Theodore Politis, a Biddeford resident, echoed that sentiment while noting that a segment of online commenters had celebrated the damage. Politis argued that applauding criminal damage, regardless of political grievance, signals a dangerous shift toward winning at any cost. “When a portion of the public greets a vandalized office with cheers, we’ve moved beyond debate into something far more fragile,” the letter stated.
Sen. Collins’ campaign has not issued a detailed public response beyond a brief statement from aides: “Maine voters deserve civil, issue-focused campaigns. We are cooperating fully with local authorities and expect those responsible to be held accountable.”
The Biddeford Police Department said they are reviewing surveillance footage and following up on tips but declined to confirm the exact wording of the graffiti, citing the ongoing investigation. Authorities have not announced any arrests and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
As the 2026 Senate race accelerates, both campaigns and good-government groups say they will be monitoring for further incidents and urging supporters to reject intimidation in all forms. The episode underscores how quickly the political season can veer from the issues to the personal, and how local acts of vandalism can ripple through an entire state’s electoral landscape.
