Scrutiny over Maine Senate Candidate’s Texts Adds Pressure to Crucial Race

Democratic candidate Graham Platner, running for a Senate seat in Maine, is under renewed scrutiny. The Wall Street Journal revealed that his wife, Amy Gertner, informed campaign officials last year about Platner sending sexually explicit messages to multiple women. This revelation comes just before the June 9 primary, where Platner is gaining in polls against Republican incumbent Senator Susan Collins. The outcome of this race may influence control of the Senate.

Gertner stated, “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.” She expressed her hurt over the betrayal and privacy invasion by a former trusted staff member.

Maine’s political scene is competitive. The state has recently leaned Democratic in presidential elections, with Kamala Harris winning against Donald Trump by about 7 points in November 2024. However, moderate Republicans like Collins have maintained strong support. The Cook Political Report labels the race as a “toss-up.” National Democrats identify Collins’ seat, which she has held since 1997, as a key opportunity to regain Senate control in this year’s elections.

After Governor Janet Mills withdrew, Platner is considered a frontrunner for the Democratic nomination against Collins. But David Costello remains in the primary. Mills will still appear on the ballot since she withdrew late. Supported by Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, Platner is a leading Democratic candidate in a race seen as critical for winning the Senate majority.

Platner faces controversies for offensive past Reddit posts and having a tattoo resembling the Nazi SS symbol. He apologized, explaining he was unaware of the tattoo’s meaning and attributed his online remarks to PTSD after military service.

Gertner informed campaign aides during an internal vetting last August about Platner’s explicit messages. They aimed to prepare the campaign for potential leaks. A campaign official mentioned they saw it as a personal issue for Gertner and Platner, who were in counseling.

“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. The couple previously shared their experiences with IVF treatment and miscarriage.

Genevieve McDonald, a former Platner campaign political director, noted Gertner reported Platner’s messages to 12 women. A current campaign official stated Platner communicated with six women before the campaign started.

McDonald, who resigned after revelations about Platner’s tattoo and Reddit posts, remarked, “The United States Senate is not a training ground for redemption. It is a place for proven leaders with moral clarity and integrity.” Gertner remarked she “confided deeply personal details” to a trusted friend.

Recent polls show Platner leading the race. A University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll from May 21-25 showed Platner with 51% support compared to Collins’ 42%. Six percent were undecided, and 2% supported another candidate. A similar February poll had Platner leading 49% to 38%.

Independents were split in the new poll, with 47% supporting Collins and 44% backing Platner. The University of New Hampshire poll surveyed 1,397 residents with a margin of error of 2.6 percentage points.

A Pan Atlantic Research poll, first since Mills’ withdrawal, had Platner leading by 7 points, 48% to 41% for Collins. Eleven percent were undecided. It surveyed 827 likely voters with a 3.7 percentage point margin of error.

A Maine People’s Resource Center poll showed Platner ahead by 9 points, 48% to 39%. A March Emerson College poll showed Platner leading Collins by 7 points, with a 2.9 percentage point margin of error.