Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate aiming to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins in Maine, has been the subject of recent controversies. Reports indicate Platner exchanged sexual texts with several women after marrying his wife, Amy Gertner, two years ago. His campaign confirmed these exchanges after a Wall Street Journal report detailed Gertner’s disclosure to a campaign aide.
Gertner discovered these messages a few months into their marriage in 2024. She revealed this information privately before a campaign rally supported by Sen. Bernie Sanders. The campaign aide determined the texts were a personal matter for the couple.
Gertner expressed her feelings regarding the leaked information, stating, I confided deeply personal details about my marriage to someone I considered a friend… I am deeply hurt by her betrayal and the invasion of our privacy.
Despite these challenges, Gertner affirmed the couple’s commitment to each other and their continued happiness.
Platner, an oyster farmer and Afghanistan and Iraq veteran, has faced other controversies. These include a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol and past contentious remarks on Reddit about sensitive topics. Despite these issues, a University of New Hampshire poll shows Platner leading with 51% support among likely Maine voters, compared to 42% for his opponent.
With Maine Gov. Janet Mills out of the Senate race, Platner is seen as the likely Democratic nominee. His campaign has not shied away from these controversies, maintaining a focus on policy issues and drawing support from figures like Rep. Ro Khanna, who praised Platner for his stance on various social and economic issues.
Sen. Collins considers Platner too extreme for Maine, anticipating that voters will reach the same conclusion. However, Platner counters that Collins has consistently supported policies unfavorable to working people.