Graham Platner’s Senate Campaign Faces Scrutiny Over Personal Controversies

Graham Platner, seeking to challenge Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins in Maine, is under scrutiny following reports of exchanged sexual texts with several women after marrying his wife, Amy Gertner, two years ago.

Platner’s campaign confirmed these exchanges to Politico after reports from the Wall Street Journal revealed Gertner informed a campaign aide about the texts as the couple prepared for the senate bid. The texts came to light months after the couple married in 2024.

Gertner shared this information before a campaign rally supported by Bernie Sanders. The aide considered the texts a private issue for the couple, the campaign explained.

I confided deeply personal details about my marriage to someone I considered a friend. In the months since, I have had to watch as she spread malicious gossip to anyone who would take her call. I trusted this person with the most private chapter of our lives — the early days of our marriage before any campaign was on our mind — and I am deeply hurt by her betrayal and the invasion of our privacy.

Gertner emphasized the counseling and honesty that strengthened their marriage, stating, “Our marriage today is stronger than ever before.” She expressed confidence in her husband, affirming, I know who Graham is…

In addition to these personal controversies, Platner, known as an oyster farmer and veteran, faced backlash for other issues. He had a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol and made previous controversial Reddit comments about sexual assault and a wounded soldier. Despite these, a University of New Hampshire poll showed Platner leading with 51% support among likely Maine voters.

Platner became the presumptive Democratic nominee after Maine Gov. Janet Mills withdrew from the race.

Despite the controversies, Rep. Ro Khanna expressed his continued support for Platner, highlighting his stance on foreign policy and economic issues.

Sen. Collins criticized Platner as too extreme for Maine. She conveyed her trust in Maine voters to share her perspective, noting the importance of not taking the election for granted.