Susan Collins’ Biddeford office vandalized
Biddeford Office of U.S. Sen. Susan Collins Vandalized; Investigation Underway
A spray‑painted slur was found on the doors of Senator Susan Collins’ constituent office in downtown Biddeford early Monday, prompting an investigation by the city police department and a swift response from the senator’s staff.
The message, which read “TRUMP WHORE” in large red letters, was photographed by Assistant Senate Minority Leader Matt Harrington (R‑Sanford) and posted on X (formerly Twitter) in the afternoon. Harrington wrote that the sight “has the world come to…disgusting, disappointing, and it’s not the Maine I grew up in. Do better.” The photo was taken in the first light of Monday and shared by Harrington within hours.
When a reporter visited the office around 2:45 p.m., the slur had already been scrubbed clean. Police Chief JoAnne Fisk confirmed that the incident is being investigated, though no suspects have been identified. “We’re looking into it,” Fisk said, noting that the city’s resources have been mobilized to determine how the graffiti was applied.
Collins, a five‑term Republican from Caribou, has been campaigning for reelection to the U.S. Senate in 2026. Her Biddeford office, located on Main Street, serves residents in the eastern part of the state. Her chief of staff, Katie Brown, issued a statement early Monday saying the office remains open and that the senator’s team “will not be intimidated.” Brown emphasized the office’s commitment to continuing service for Maine constituents.
The slur’s reference to former President Donald Trump suggests a political motive. “Vandalism and intimidation are wrong, full stop,” said Democratic challenger Troy Jackson in an email to the press. Jackson, who is running against Collins, condemned the act and reiterated that public offices should remain free of defacement.
Collins herself has yet to comment publicly on the incident. Her campaign’s response has focused on maintaining normal operations at the Biddeford location and on urging residents to report any suspicious activity.
Local residents expressed a mix of outrage and concern. “I’m just tired of seeing these kinds of messages everywhere,” said a longtime Biddeford resident who asked to remain anonymous. “It feels like a violation of the community’s dignity.” Others called for a stronger stance against political harassment.
Biddeford Police are reviewing footage from nearby cameras and are asking for tips from the public. “We’re taking this seriously,” Chief Fisk reiterated. “We’re looking at how the message could have been placed and who might have had access to the premises.”
The incident comes as the 2026 Maine election cycle heats up. Collins, who has served in the Senate since 2001, faces a strong challenge from Jackson, who won the Democratic primary in a close contest. The vandalism raises questions about the intensity of political rhetoric and the safety of public office spaces.
While the motive remains unclear, the event underscores a broader trend of politically charged vandalism in the United States. Local law enforcement officials have urged calm and cooperation with ongoing investigations. “We will get to the bottom of this,” Chief Fisk said.
The state’s Attorney General’s office has not yet weighed in, and no charges have been filed. For now, the city remains vigilant, and the Biddeford office remains open, continuing to serve Maine constituents amid the controversy.
