'I'm a songwriter': Maine Democratic Senate hopeful Ashley Webb's debate answer goes viral

PORTLAND, MAINE: A response from Maine Democratic Senate candidate Ashley Webb during a televised debate has gone viral after she cited songwriting, self-published books, and past failed campaigns as qualifications for the US Senate.

The moment quickly spread across social media, drawing mockery from conservative commentators as Democrats work to settle on a replacement for disgraced former nominee Graham Platner. Webb was one of eight candidates who took the debate stage over roughly two hours on Thursday, July 16, in Portland. 

Ashley Webb mocked over qualifications she listed for US Senate

Asked on stage what qualifications she brings to the office, Webb said, "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."

Web, went on to add that her honesty set her apart, saying, "I suppose my transparency, I wouldn't lie to people and I wouldn't deceive the people, like, we're being deceived right now, like we get lied to, smoke and mirrors, like what's going on with ICE."

The moment went viral, with many conservatives mocking Webb's list of qualifications.

Her response quickly sparked reactions across social media, with her "I'm a songwriter" remark becoming one of the most discussed moments from the debate.

Who is Ashley Webb?

Ashley Webb is a Democrat running for Senate in Maine, and she’s a transgender woman. She’s no stranger to campaigning and has already tried twice for a seat as New Hampshire State Representative, back in 2012 and 2020, though she didn’t win either time.

Looking at her campaign, Webb’s big focus is on healthcare reform. She wants hospitals to take financial responsibility when patients get hurt under their care.

She’s also pushing for employers to be held to that same standard if their workers are injured. On top of that, she’s all in on improving Maine’s infrastructure. One of her priorities is building a real highway system to connect cities that right now are only tied together by old back roads.

Webb was one of eight candidates who participated in the two-hour Democratic Senate debate, alongside Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, former Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah, former congressional staffer Jordan Wood, former state lawmaker Lizzie Dickerson, Maine Beer Co co-founder Dan Kleban, and former government official David Costello.

The Democratic nominee selected at the Maine Democratic Party convention on July 25 will face Republican Sen Susan Collins in the upcoming midterm election. A dozen Democrats filed with the state party before the deadline in the race to replace former Democratic nominee Platner.