Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is dealing with fresh scrutiny after reports detailed explicit text messages he sent to multiple women. The revelations have sparked internal Democratic divisions ahead of the June 9 primary.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Platner’s wife, Amy Gertner, disclosed in 2025 finding sexually explicit texts to between 6 and 12 women. The messages reportedly ended before the campaign started, and the couple addressed the issue in counseling. Platner called the coverage “journalistic malpractice” and refused to confirm details, stating only that he and his wife “went through something hard—because of me.” Gertner said in a video statement that “no marriage is perfect” and criticized media outlets for spreading what she called gossip. A strategist for the campaign, Morris Katz, sent a message warning former staffer Genevieve McDonald against cooperating with media outlets, threatening to accuse her of sharing falsehoods. Additional reports noted Platner’s account on the Kik platform and prior controversies including a Nazi tattoo and Reddit posts. Democratic figures have split in their responses. Some defended Platner’s right to privacy in personal matters, while others highlighted concerns over judgment and character. Platner remains the frontrunner after rival Janet Mills suspended her campaign.
