Graham Platner’s Campaign Faces Scrutiny Over Past Controversies

Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate challenging Republican U.S. Senator Susan Collins in Maine, has been at the center of a recent controversy following reports of him exchanging sexual texts with multiple women after marrying his wife, Amy Gertner, two years ago. This information was confirmed by Platner’s campaign to Politico, as initially reported by the Wall Street Journal.

The disclosures came after Gertner confided in a campaign aide about the texts, identifying them as a potential political risk during Platner’s Senate campaign. Gertner reportedly discovered these exchanges months after their marriage in 2024. According to the Wall Street Journal, Gertner shared these personal details with a confidant before Platner’s campaign rally alongside Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. The campaign determined that the matter was private for the couple.

“I confided deeply personal details about my marriage to someone I considered a friend,” Gertner explained to the Journal. “Since then, I’ve had to witness this information circulating as malicious gossip. I trusted this person with our private marital details — long before any campaign was considered — and feel deeply hurt by their betrayal.”

Gertner emphasized their commitment to resolving the issue together, noting their participation in counseling and a renewed honesty with each other that strengthened their relationship. “Our marriage today is stronger than ever,” she added. “I know who Graham is and the husband he has been through the best and worst times. That remains unchanged.”

Beyond this incident, Platner’s campaign has navigated other controversies. These include a since-removed tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol and past comments on Reddit minimizing sexual assault, alongside crude remarks regarding masturbation. Platner also issued a statement describing a wounded soldier as undeserving of life.

Despite these controversies, a University of New Hampshire poll recently indicated Platner leading by 51% to 42% among likely Maine voters. Platner, who is also an oyster farmer and a veteran of Afghanistan and Iraq, has become the presumptive Democratic nominee after Governor Janet Mills exited the race earlier this year.

Fox News Digital sought comments from Platner’s campaign regarding the recent developments. Meanwhile, Representative Ro Khanna from California, restated his support for Platner, appreciating his stance on issues like the war in Iran and economic policies.

In contrast, Senator Collins labeled Platner as too extreme for Maine. She has expressed confidence that Maine voters will reach a similar conclusion, although she acknowledges she shouldn’t be complacent.

Platner, in an interview with Fox News Digital, criticized the policies supported by Collins, citing their favor towards large corporations and billionaires, which he claims negatively affect working individuals.