Viral debate moment thrusts trans activist into Maine Senate race after Platner fallout
A Democratic candidate, Ashley Webb, a trans intersex activist, surged into Maine’s U.S. Senate race to replace the ousted Graham Platner after a debate clip in which Webb offered a rambling, memed answer about their qualifications went viral (over 750,000 views). Platner was forced out amid rape allegations, leaving 12 candidates, including Webb alongside Shenna Bellows, Dan Kleban, and Kristina Libby, vying for the nomination to challenge incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November.