Full Breakdown
Republican Ad Misfire Targets Oregon Instead of Maine
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
A political action committee supporting Maine Sen. Susan Collins purchased television ads that aired in the Portland, Oregon market rather than the intended Portland, Maine audience. The error placed the $20,000-$25,000 ad buy in a region over 3,000 miles away from the voters Collins seeks to reach. The misplaced ads promoted Collins by attacking her Democratic opponent, Troy Jackson, labeling him “taxin’ Troy Jackson.”
Background & Context
Collins, a five-term Republican senator, is considered one of the most vulnerable incumbents ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with control of both chambers at stake. Polling in the race between Collins and Jackson shows the candidates neck-and-neck. Collins has a mixed record on former President Donald Trump, having both broken with him on certain issues and voted to advance his legislative agenda and nominees, including Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
Official Statements & Responses
Sarah Chamberlain, president and CEO of the Republican Main Street Partnership, said the ad placement error was “ridiculous” and that the group acted quickly to remove the Oregon spots and redirect the ads to Portland, Maine. Cross Screen Media, the ad buyer, acknowledged the mistake, called it “100 % our mistake,” and refunded the money to the PAC. Troy Jackson, the Democratic nominee, seized on the incident, accusing Collins of aligning with Trump’s agenda.
Data & Statistics
- Ad spend: between $20,000 and $25,000, according to the Google Political Ad Transparency Center.
- Geographic error: ads aired in Portland, Oregon, a market that includes parts of Washington state, instead of Portland, Maine.
- Polling: recent surveys place Collins and Jackson in a statistical tie, underscoring the race’s competitiveness.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The buyers made a mistake on one of the placements. It’s down now, and they’re running it in Portland, Maine,” — Sarah Chamberlain, president and CEO of the Republican Main Street Partnership
- “Senator Collins is like an arsonist who helped set the fire, and she wants credit for bringing a cup of water to put it out,” — Troy Jackson