GOP Ad Buyer Misplaces $25,000 in Maine Campaign Funds in Oregon
A Republican super PAC accidentally spent nearly $25,000 on ads for Senator Susan Collins in Portland, Oregon, instead of Portland, Maine. The Senate Leadership Fund admitted the error and refunded the money. This blunder occurred amid a tight 2026 Senate race where Jackson leads Collins by a narrow margin, with recent ads targeting Jackson’s record on healthcare and college funding.
Key points
- Senate Leadership Fund mistakenly targeted ads for Collins in Portland, Oregon, rather than Portland, Maine.
- The error cost nearly $25,000, which the PAC subsequently refunded.
- The mistake happened while Jackson leads Collins by 4 points in recent polls.
- Recent ads have focused on Jackson’s stance on union health insurance and a 2024 college funding bill.
- Fact-checkers found the college funding ad omitted key details about bipartisan support for the legislation.
Background
The Maine Senate race between Susan Collins and Troy Jackson has been highly competitive in 2026, with polls showing a narrow Democratic lead. Former Senator Joe Manchin endorsed Collins in September, highlighting the race's importance for Senate control. Recent debates have focused on abortion, tariffs, and social security, with Collins facing scrutiny over her alignment with President Trump.
How outlets are covering it
NBC News reported the ad buyer’s geographic error and the subsequent refund. PolitiFact, via WMTW, fact-checked a separate Senate Leadership Fund ad accusing Jackson of corruption over a 2024 college funding bill, finding the ad omitted details about bipartisan support and unclear financial connections. The Senate Leadership Fund released another ad criticizing Jackson’s plan to eliminate union-negotiated health insurance, framing it as a threat to working Mainers.
Why it matters
The ad error highlights the high stakes and intense scrutiny of the Maine Senate race, where small mistakes can have significant financial and political consequences. The race is pivotal for determining Senate control, with voters closely monitoring candidates' records on healthcare, education, and economic policies.
What to watch
The Senate Leadership Fund has refunded the $25,000 and is likely to continue targeting ads in Maine. The race will likely see continued focus on healthcare, education, and economic issues, with polls showing a tight contest between Collins and Jackson.
- GOP ad buyer mixes up Portlands, spends money meant to help Maine Sen. Susan Collins in Oregon NBC News
- A GOP PAC ran an ad opposing Maine Democrat Troy Jackson — in the wrong Portland MS NOW
- Susan Collins-Aligned Super PAC Buys Attack Ads in Portland… Oregon The Intercept
- A GOP ad calls Troy Jackson 'corrupt' over a college funding bill. Here's what the record shows WMTW
- New Ad: Troy Jackson Will Eliminate Union-Negotiated Health Insurance Senate Leadership Fund
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