Graham Platner, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, speaks at a campaign event Friday, June 5, 2026, in Bar Harbor, Maine. Robert F. Bukaty/AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty
Graham Platner was anticipated to be the Democrats’ strongest contender to unseat longtime Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins, and a crucial element in their strategy to regain control of the Senate. However, personal controversies have significantly impacted the race.
ABC News engaged with numerous constituents across the state, revealing the differing viewpoints among Maine voters regarding Platner and his campaign.
Nancy Jacobson, a resident of Bangor, stated that the recent accusations detailed in The New York Times “unsettle” her, yet she perceives no alternative, anticipating further revelations about Platner in the future.
Bangor resident Nancy Jacobson told ABC News the latest allegations against Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner “unsettle” her, but she sees no other option.ABC News
"Given where we are in the election cycle, what other recourse do we have?" Jacobson inquired. "I believe his political objectives are genuine, and that is the basis of my vote."
In the preceding week, The New York Times published two distinct reports. The first detailed accusations that Platner sent explicit text messages to several women, a story initially broken by the Wall Street Journal. The second report featured accounts from some of his former girlfriends who described his conduct as "intimidating and disturbing."
Graham Platner, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, speaks at a campaign event Friday, June 5, 2026, in Bar Harbor, Maine.Robert F. Bukaty/AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty
Platner has conceded that he was "far from a perfect boyfriend," but has refuted any claims of physical intimidation or violence. His wife, Amy Gertner, has publicly backed her husband.
"No marriage is perfect, and I do not desire a flawless marriage," she stated in a video released following the reports on the text messages. "I want my marriage, and I want to remain married to Graham."
Maine state Reps. Allison Hepler, left, and Holly Eaton told ABC News that they will be voting for Gov. Janet Mills in Maine’s Democratic Senate primary, even though Mills suspended her campaign in April.ABC News
Certain Maine Democrats Indicate They Will Not Support Platner
A segment of Maine Democrats express apprehension that the new accusations could jeopardize Platner’s prospects of defeating Collins in November.
State Representatives Allison Hepler and Holly Eaton of Maine informed ABC News that they intend to vote for Governor Janet Mills in Tuesday’s Democratic primary, despite Mills having withdrawn her candidacy in April.
Eaton, who initially endorsed Platner, later rescinded her support, declaring she would not vote for him in the general election, even with the Senate’s control on the line.
"I actually gave Platner my endorsement at one point," Eaton commented. However, she stated she withdrew her backing after controversial, long-standing online comments surfaced, along with allegations that Platner bore a tattoo on his chest linked to Nazism.
"He was not someone I could endorse," she remarked.
She further added, "A great deal can occur between now and November. Therefore, I will candidly tell you, I will never cast a vote for Graham Platner."
Platner has strongly denied any awareness of the tattoo’s Nazi association until last October, approximately 18 years after he obtained it. He had it covered that month.
Some Voters Argue Excessive Focus on Platner’s Personal Life
Sarina Brooks, a lifelong resident of Maine and a mental health therapist who identifies as a Democrat, indicated that she is currently maintaining her support for Platner.
Stickers for Graham Platner, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, are displayed at campaign event Friday, June 5, 2026, in Bar Harbor, Maine.Robert F. Bukaty/AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty
"At this juncture, I am holding steady with my support for him," Brooks stated. "I always reserve the right to alter my decision, but I continue to back him. I stand by his principles. For my part, I believe he remains our optimal choice, but we must observe how events unfold."
Other Democrats in Maine, including Christopher Mejo, remain unconcerned by the recent allegations, characterizing their decision to support Platner as an "easy choice."
"I am not seeking to be his friend. I am seeking someone who will represent my interests," Mejo declared.
Tyler Stoddard from Portland echoed this sentiment, adding that he believes there has been an excessive focus on Platner’s personal affairs.
"I feel we are excessively scrutinizing all the personal matters in Graham Platner’s life that do not genuinely impact his policies, his stances, or what he could achieve for the state," Stoddard opined.
Platner Rallies Supporters: ‘You Have My Back’
The article published by The New York Times on Thursday was compiled from interviews with several women who reported past relationships with the Democratic Senate candidate, including allegations of destructive behavior that had a significant emotional impact.
Supporters cheer for Graham Platner, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, at a campaign event Friday, June 5, 2026, in Bar Harbor, Maine.Robert F. Bukaty/AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty
Some women interviewed for the piece claimed Platner could be condescending towards women and, in at least one instance, even physically intimidating. Others quoted in the article described him as a "gentle giant."
Platner has stated he dealt with undiagnosed PTSD and resorted to self-medication with alcohol, while denying any physical misconduct with his partners.
During a rally in Bar Harbor, Maine, on Friday evening, Platner addressed the controversies that have surfaced during his campaign, asserting that he still commands the backing of the state’s electorate.
"When damaging statements I made online a decade ago were brought to light as I shared my personal journey through PTSD, the depths of recovery, accountability, and growth, Maine stood by me," Platner declared.
"Now, as every aspect of that past and journey is unearthed, debated, and used as a weapon, you have my support," he added.
Graham Platner, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, acknowledges applause at a campaign event Friday, June 5, 2026, in Bar Harbor, Maine.Robert F. Bukaty/AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty
The remarks were met with considerable applause and cheering from the attendees.
Platner’s wife, Amy Gertner, appeared alongside him at the rally and received a standing ovation from the audience.
According to reports published earlier this week by The New York Times and last week by The Wall Street Journal, Gertner had informed his campaign in 2025 about explicit text messages her husband allegedly exchanged with numerous women.
"Amy and I navigated a difficult period – due to my actions," Platner stated in a media release earlier this week. "We did the necessary work, and I am profoundly grateful for her every moment."
Progressive Representative Makes Case for Platner
Platner has faced criticism from certain Democratic lawmakers and met with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other senators on Capitol Hill this week, aiming to secure support and address concerns from Democratic leadership.
However, many Democrats remain aligned with the embattled, probable nominee, including Representative Ro Khanna, who was a featured speaker at Platner’s Bar Harbor rally on Friday.
"The Democratic Party, from Schumer to [Sen. Bernie] Sanders, is united with a singular objective: we will defeat Susan Collins in November!" Khanna proclaimed to a packed audience.
In an interview with ABC News prior to the event, Khanna mentioned discussing the latest allegations reported in the New York Times with Platner.
"I conveyed to him that his actions were toxic and unacceptable. We discussed it. He acknowledges it was misogynistic. He describes it as a dark phase in his life. He is a veteran who served two tours in Iraq and returned with significant challenges. Now, I am not suggesting this excuses his behavior – he accepted responsibility – but I believe in redemption," Khanna stated.
Rep. Ro Khanna headlined a rally for Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner on Friday in Bar Harbor.ABC News
The progressive representative from California added that Platner’s policy positions align with the party’s platform.
"For me, the critical issues are: Will he oppose the war in Iran? Will he stand against billionaires and wealth disparity? Will he work to lower prices? Will he commit to defeating Susan Collins?" Khanna asked. "That is why I believe the Democratic Party must unite behind Platner, who will be our nominee, and we must secure this seat."
"So, you are essentially asking the people of Maine to overlook the personal issues and concentrate on policy?" ABC News inquired.
"No, I believe they should examine those issues," Khanna responded. "However, I am confident they should grant Graham Platner an opportunity to clarify the period of his life he was in and assess: Has he evolved? Has he matured? Is there evidence of redemption?"
Sourse: abcnews.go.com