Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., affirmed his endorsement of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner despite reports of Platner exchanging sexual texts with multiple women after marrying his wife two years ago. Platner's campaign confirmed the exchanges to Politico following a report from The Wall Street Journal, which stated that his wife, Amy Gertner, informed a campaign aide about the messages after Platner's Senate campaign began. Gertner reportedly discovered the texts months after their marriage in 2024.
Sanders commented on the situation, stating, "Sixty percent of our people are living paycheck to paycheck. People can't afford healthcare. They can't afford groceries. They can’t afford to fill up their gas tanks. The oligarchs are planning to spend, I believe, some $90 million in a small state like Maine to defeat Graham Platner," emphasizing the need to focus on critical issues rather than personal matters.
When asked if he was reconsidering his endorsement, Sanders replied, "certainly not," and expressed his belief in the couple's relationship, stating, "my understanding is that his wife, Amy, who I've met, indicated they love each other. But maybe we focus on the issues facing the American people, the people of Maine, and not the marriage issues facing Graham Platner." He reiterated his support, saying, "Of course," when pressed by reporters.
Gertner defended her husband's campaign, expressing her frustration with media coverage and emphasizing the importance of discussing substantive issues such as healthcare and education. She noted the challenges of being newly married while navigating infertility and a Senate campaign.
