Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate for Senate in Maine, faced significant challenges during his campaign last summer. His wife, Amy Gertner, revealed to the campaign that Platner had been exchanging sexual messages with multiple women. This disclosure occurred as Platner’s efforts to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins were starting to connect with voters, especially female voters in Maine.
Current and former campaign officials confirmed these exchanges with varying details. Ms. Gertner, who married Platner in November 2023, mentioned that they were attending marriage counseling to address these issues. The revelation was seen as potentially damaging to the political newcomer, whose campaign was beginning to gain momentum.
Genevieve McDonald, the former political director for Platner’s campaign, stated that Ms. Gertner contacted her just before a major Labor Day rally featuring Senator Bernie Sanders. McDonald noted that Gertner was worried her husband’s behavior could become a liability, saying he had communicated sexually with around a dozen women.