Maine Senate candidate Ashley Webb, who is transgender and intersex, has drawn criticism after citing her songwriting abilities as a qualification during a debate.
During a televised debate Thursday to determine the Democratic candidate who will replace Senator Graham Platner, Webb was asked about her qualifications for the U.S. Senate. She responded, "I ran for office several times, didn't win, but I did run and then, I'm a songwriter and then I write my own books." She also mentioned her "transparency" and vowed not to lie to people.
The moment quickly gained traction on social media, with the Republican National Committee sharing the clip, which garnered over 3 million views. Various conservative commentators and accounts also shared and criticized Webb's response.
Webb is among 12 Democrats seeking the nomination to succeed Platner, who was suspended last week following rape allegations, which he denies. According to her Amazon profile, Webb has authored two books: a memoir detailing her transition and gender identity, and a cookbook. Her campaign website outlines a platform focused on affordable healthcare, worker protections, corporate accountability, and rural infrastructure.
During the debate, Webb also stated her opposition to U.S. taxpayer money being sent to Israel, saying, "I'll always stand against occupation and unjustified military aggression."
Platner's political future was cast into doubt after a report from Politico detailed allegations from Jenny Racicot, who claimed Platner entered her home without permission and raped her in 2021. These allegations followed similar accusations from three former romantic partners reported by The New York Times. Platner has also faced scrutiny for a tattoo identified as a Nazi SS symbol earlier this year.