Graham Platner, the Democratic contender for the U.S. Senate in Maine, addresses a “Fighting Oligarchy” campaign gathering alongside U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) in Portland, Maine, on May 25, 2026. Amanda Sabga/Reuters
Maine’s U.S. Senate hopeful, Graham Platner, is issuing a response to news that emerged over the weekend concerning sexually explicit text messages he transmitted to several women.
“Amy and I navigated a challenging period—due to my actions,” Platner conveyed in a statement to the press on Sunday evening, referencing his spouse, Amy Gertner. “We undertook the necessary work, and I am profoundly thankful for her every single moment.”
Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner and his wife Amy Gertner share a moment following an event at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6859 on May 17, 2026, in Portland, Maine. Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Platner further remarked that “individuals are not concerned with trivial matters or sensational headlines; they are concerned with your advocacy for their healthcare facilities, their earnings, and their children.”
According to reports published by The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal on Saturday, Gertner alerted his Democratic Maine U.S. Senate campaign in 2025 about the sexually explicit text messages her husband had exchanged with numerous women.
The publications indicate that after Platner declared his candidacy for the Senate, Gertner notified the campaign about communications she had uncovered. The Wall Street Journal reported that several months later, Gertner “shared the texts with a campaign aide,” and that the aides eventually concluded the messages constituted a personal issue being addressed through marital counseling.
Platner is the anticipated Democratic nominee for the Maine Senate, set to face Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins. Maine Governor Janet Mills had previously paused her Democratic primary campaign, though she is expected to remain on the ballot for the June 9 primary. Democrat David Costello will also be listed on the ballot.
A poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire, released just days before Saturday’s reports, indicated that nearly three-quarters of likely Democratic primary voters held a favorable view of Platner. In the general election matchup, 51% of likely voters indicated they would back Platner, while 42% would support Collins.
Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, speaks during a “Fighting Oligarchy” campaign rally with U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) in Portland, Maine, May 25, 2026. Amanda Sabga/Reuters
Former political director for the Platner campaign, Genevieve McDonald, reportedly informed The New York Times that Gertner was concerned Platner’s conduct could pose a political risk and that he “had been exchanging sexual messages with as many as a dozen women.”
McDonald could not be immediately reached for comment by ABC News.
Platner’s campaign shared a selfie-style video recorded by Gertner on social media Saturday evening. In the video, Gertner stated that she and Platner “love each other deeply” and that it is “truly disgraceful that there is a group of media outlets and individuals willing to disseminate gossip rather than discuss the substantive issues Graham is advocating for.”
Gertner also mentioned that Platner has been undergoing therapy for several years.
“No union is flawless, and I do not aspire to a perfect marriage,” she remarked in the video. “I cherish my marriage and wish to remain wedded to Graham.”
Gertner also issued a formal statement asserting that she had confided personal details about her marriage to someone she considered a friend. Gertner did not identify this individual.
“I confided in this individual regarding the most private chapter of our lives—the initial phase of our marriage, long before any campaign was contemplated—and I am deeply wounded by her treachery and the violation of our privacy,” she stated.
In a social media post on Saturday, Morris Katz, an advisor to Platner, wrote, “It is absolutely none of anyone’s business what transpired in Graham & Amy’s marriage prior to his ever becoming a candidate for office. There should be no place in our political arena for inept, opportunistic individuals who disregard privacy, breach trust, and prioritize retribution over integrity.”
With the primary election just eight days away, Platner continues his campaign efforts, releasing a new advertisement on Monday morning.
ABC News has sought commentary from Platner’s campaign regarding his continued participation in the race.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com