Maine Senate match heats up as Collins faces protesters at the ceremony

Senator Susan Collins, R-MaineProtesters repeatedly hecked during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday, the completion of a $9.2 million federally funded Highway 1 reconstruction project.

Collins’ comments about getting federal funding for the project have been repeatedly overwhelmed, demonstrating her family challenges and the broader Senate control struggle.

Senator Collins, chaired Senate Appropriations Committeethe Route 1 project has been made a major victory for the Maine community.

However, the protesters shouted her cry with “Shame! Shame! Shame!” While raising dissatisfaction with Medicare, Israeli policy and her voting history of bills for Trump support.

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Her Democratic challenger Graham Platner caught it right now and shared a close-up video of heck on X, with nearly 4K likes.

With the Senate hanging from the edge of a razor, Maine’s race has become one of the most watched games in the country. Democrats see Collins’ seat as a potential way to restore control, while President Trump-led Republicans are working to defend their vulnerable majority.

“I’m very disgusted with the Republicans’ cuts to this ugly bill….A big beautiful Bill. ”

At one point during the ceremony, Collins attempted to reason with the protesters. “Can you listen to one person, just one person?” She began to be shouted by protesters, and then shouted, “We hope you listen!”

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Senator R-Maine Senator Susan Collins holds a blanket while staying on the Senate floor at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, DC on July 1, 2025. (Andrew Hanik)

“I have a suggestion. Will you listen to this?” Collins asked before another protester answered: “Vote Graham Pranagh!”

Graham Platner A Democratic candidate trying to challenge a long-time incumbent moderate Republican, he is facing a running battle in an increasingly blue country.

Platner is a Marine and veteran turned oyster farmer who blames his candidates on what he calls the “billionaire economy.” Although his biography as a working-class veteran can resonate with many independent states, his policy platform is on the left. He called for a ban on billionaires from financing elections, raise federal minimum wages, build postal banking and defend abortion.

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) addressed the press on November 6, 2022 at the Washington Transit Hotel at the intersection of Washington, Pennsylvania. (Mark Makela/Getty Images)

He supports radical climate regulations, breaks down the companies he marked the monopoly and ends what he calls “massive deportation aircraft.” Platner also demanded a cut in the Pentagon spending, vowed to “stop meaningless wars” and support the expansion of union power. These positions brought him directly into the progressive camp and criticized him for being consistent with the moderates in Maine, despite his qualifications being his.

Meanwhile, Maine Republicans quickly painted the platonic style one step away from the state. “Graham is a left-wing progressive by national progressive agents and environmental extremists. A Collins spokesman likewise saw him as “just another progressive player who was just playing the game.”

Platner also brought D-Pa to part of his campaign. Joe Cavello, a former senior aide to Senator John Fetterman, and used Morris Katz, a democratic strategist to advise New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, to produce his startup video.

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With Republicans Collins’ reelection struggle, which clings to their slim Senate majority, could help determine whether Trump’s influence continues to shape the legislative agenda or whether Democrats have the upper hand.

The Maine Senate primary election is scheduled to be held on June 9, 2026, and the general election is scheduled to be held on November 3, 2026.

Pilar Arias from Fox News Digital contributed to the report.