WASHINGTON — Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks in support of Senate candidate Graham Platner. This follows reports alleging that Platner, the Democratic nominee in Maine, sent sexually explicit texts at the start of his marriage. Sanders, who supports Platner’s campaign against GOP Senator Susan Collins, emphasizes that the public should focus on issues affecting families over personal matters.
Sanders states, “We have a housing crisis and issues with healthcare and groceries. Let’s focus on these challenges rather than on Graham Platner’s marriage.” He adds that the working class needs representatives who will confront those in power.
Platner’s wife, Amy Gertner, stands by her husband. In a campaign video, she expresses her anger about the text message reports and condemns those spreading ‘gossip’ instead of addressing campaign issues.
Reports from The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal reveal that Gertner informed Platner’s campaign about the texts early in his Senate run. An official from Platner’s campaign confirms he sent explicit texts when his marriage began in 2023.
Platner acknowledges his mistakes, stating, “Amy and I faced challenges, because of me. We worked through them, and I appreciate her every day. Voters care about their hospitals, paychecks, and children—not tabloids. This campaign is about Maine’s progress and moving past ineffective politics.” Gertner confirms her marriage is strong and credits counseling for their recovery.
Support for Platner extends beyond Sanders. Senator Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., also defends Platner, recognizing his unique political journey. Gallego emphasizes voters’ primary concerns about economic difficulties. “Americans are struggling with high gas and food prices; they are not concerned about old text messages,” he notes.
Senator Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., dismisses the text reports as “a tabloid story” irrelevant outside D.C. He believes Mainers will decide based on which candidate supports the working class. He endorses Platner and emphasizes his friendly relations with both Platner and Gertner.
Platner will meet with Senate Democrats, an event planned before the recent reports. Alongside Sanders, national progressives like Senator Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Representative Ro Khanna, D-Calif., express their continued support for Platner despite the text allegations.
Platner previously faced backlash over past Reddit posts and covering a controversial tattoo. Despite this, he remains popular among Democratic voters in Maine. The controversy has not deterred Democrat Governor Janet Mills from keeping her name on the ballot, though she has ceased active campaigning. On the Republican side, Collins comments that revelations about Platner reflect on his character but offers no further input.