Democratic Candidate Graham Platner Faces Scrutiny Over Text Messages

Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner from Maine is under heightened scrutiny. The Wall Street Journal reported that his wife, Amy Gertner, informed campaign officials early last year about his sexually explicit text messages to multiple women after their marriage in November 2023.

This revelation comes just over a week before the June 9 primary. Platner, a Marine Corps veteran and oyster farmer from coastal Maine, has been gaining traction in recent polls against Republican incumbent Senator Susan Collins. This race is crucial in the battle for Senate control.

I know who Graham is. I know the man I married and the husband he has been to me on the best and the worst days of my life. That hasn’t changed, and it won’t,

stated Gertner to the Journal. She also expressed being “deeply hurt” by the betrayal and the invasion of their privacy.

Newsweek sought comments from Platner’s campaign via email.

Political Context

Maine is a politically competitive state. It leans Democratic in presidential elections, with Vice President Kamala Harris winning it by about 7 points against President Donald Trump in November 2024. However, moderate Republicans like Collins have maintained strong support over the years. The Cook Political Report classifies this race as a “toss-up.”

National Democrats aim to flip Collins’ seat, which she has held since 1997. It’s a pivotal opportunity in their strategy to regain a Senate majority. After Democrat Governor Janet Mills exited the race, Platner is seen as the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination, although David Costello is still on the primary ballot. Mills’ name will also appear due to her late withdrawal.

Supported by Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, Platner is a leading contender as Democrats focus on reclaiming the Senate.

Campaign Controversies

Platner has faced several campaign trail controversies. Issues include Reddit posts with offensive language, racial comments, and remarks about sexual assault. Additionally, his tattoo resembling the Nazi SS Totenkopf has drawn criticism. Platner apologized, claiming ignorance of the tattoo’s meaning and attributing his past online actions to PTSD struggles.

Internal Campaign Issues

According to reports, Gertner disclosed Platner’s text messages during an internal vetting session last August. It was intended to prepare the campaign. A campaign official noted that the issue was considered a personal matter between the couple, who were undergoing marriage counseling at the time.

It is no secret that Graham and I have struggled on our fertility journey. We did the hard work that marriage requires. We went to counseling. We were honest with each other in ways that weren’t easy,

Gertner stated, revealing their past struggles with IVF treatment and miscarriage.

Former campaign political director Genevieve McDonald said Gertner informed officials of Platner’s texts to up to twelve women. A current campaign official noted Platner communicated with six women before launching his campaign.

McDonald, who left the campaign over the tattoo and Reddit issues, said the Senate demands leaders with moral integrity, not those seeking redemption.

Poll Results

A University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll from May 21-25 shows Platner leading with 51% against Collins’ 42%, with 6% undecided and 2% backing another candidate. This is similar to a February poll where Platner led Collins 49% to 38%, with 9% undecided. Indepedents show 47% support Collins, and 44% support Platner.

The poll involved 1,397 Maine residents with a margin of error of ±2.6 percentage points.

A Pan Atlantic Research poll, post-Mills campaign closure, showed Platner ahead by 7 points. It surveyed 827 likely voters with a margin of error of ±3.7 percentage points. Another Maine People’s Resource Center poll from late March showed Platner leading Collins by 9 points, 48% to 39%.

An Emerson College poll from March 21-23 showed Platner ahead by 7 points in a general election. The survey included 1,075 likely voters and had a margin of error of ±2.9 percentage points.