Susan Collins heckled at Maine ribbon-cutting to delight of leftist challenger as pivotal Senate race heats up

Protesters, however, shouted her down with chants of "Shame! Shame! Shame!" while raising grievances over Medicare, Israel policy and her voting history for Trump-supported bills.

Her Democrat challenger, Graham Platner, quickly seized on the moment, sharing a close-up video of the heckling on X that has nearly 4k likes.

With the Senate hanging by a razor-thin margin, Maine's race has emerged as one of the most closely watched in the country. Democrats see Collins' seat as a potential pathway back to control, while Republicans, led by President Trump, are fighting to defend their fragile majority.

At one point during the ceremony, Collins attempted to reason with the demonstrators. "Could you please just listen, for just one-" she began, before being cut off by a protester shouting, "We'd like you to listen!"

He supports aggressive climate regulations, breaking up corporations he labels monopolies and ending what he terms "the mass deportation machine." Platner has also demanded cuts to Pentagon spending, vowed to "stop pointless wars," and backs expanding union powers. Those stances put him squarely in the progressive camp and open him to criticism that he is out of step with Maine's moderates despite his veteran credentials.Maine Republicans, meanwhile, were quick to paint Platner as out of step with the state. "Graham is a far-left progressive backed by national progressive operatives and environmental extremists. His views would be perfectly suited for a Portland City Council race - not for representing all of Maine," Jason Savage, the executive director of the Maine Republican Party, told Fox News Digital. A Collins spokesperson likewise dismissed him as "just another progressive entering the race."