Brief
Republican super PAC’s ad targeting Maine Senate candidate mistakenly ran in Oregon
Defending Main Street Super PAC’s media vendor placed the ad in the wrong market, prompting a refund and a brief media stir.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Snopes confirmed that a digital advertisement aimed at Maine Senate candidate Troy Jackson was mistakenly aired in Portland, Oregon, instead of Portland, Maine, between Oct. 8 and Oct. 12, 2026. The ad, funded by the Republican‑aligned Defending Main Street Super PAC, targeted Jackson for his tax‑increase proposals.
What happened
According to Google’s Ads Transparency Center, the ad ran in the Portland, Oregon media market for four days and was also shown in Washington state. Viewership in Oregon reached between 1 million and 1.25 million, while the Washington placement generated 350,000 to 400,000 views. The spend in Oregon was between $15,000 and $20,000; the Washington buy cost $5,000 to $6,000.
What the reports add
Snopes noted that social‑media posts, including one on X by betting platform Polymarket, highlighted the geographic mix‑up, though some users incorrectly blamed “the GOP” as a whole. The fact‑check clarified that the paying entity was Defending Main Street Super PAC, not the Republican National Committee.
What was said
A spokesperson for Defending Main Street Super PAC told Snopes, “During a recent independent expenditure, our media vendor mistakenly placed approximately $25,000 in digital advertising in the Portland, Oregon, media market instead of Portland, Maine.” The same source added that Cross Screen Media, the vendor, was refunding the full amount and that no donor funds would be lost.
How it came about
The error originated with Cross Screen Media, whose parent company is 1903 Group. Snopes reached out to both the vendor and 1903 Group for confirmation but had not received a response at the time of publication. The ad’s content attacked Jackson’s tax plans and was intended to support incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, who is seeking a sixth term. Collins’ campaign had no role in the ad’s creation or placement.
Key facts
- Defending Main Street Super PAC paid for a digital ad targeting Troy Jackson. (snopes.com)
- The ad was mistakenly placed in Portland, Oregon, and Washington state instead of Portland, Maine. (snopes.com)
- The misplacement cost roughly $25,000, which the vendor is refunding. (snopes.com)
- The ad was seen by up to 1.25 million people in Oregon. (snopes.com)
- Collins’ campaign had no involvement in the ad’s content or placement. (snopes.com)
Sources
- [1] snopes.com — originally reported as “Ad targeting Maine Sen. Susan Collins' opponent Troy Jackson ran in wrong state. Who paid?”
