Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner did not respond to reporters' questions on June 2, 2026, before and after a meeting at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee in Washington, D.C. His silence comes amid allegations of a sexting scandal and criticism over past online posts.
When asked if he was there to address concerns, Platner did not reply. He also ignored questions regarding his suitability to represent Maine, his campaign status, and past controversies. Platner is currently leading in polls despite these issues.
In a statement, Platner acknowledged difficulties in his personal life, saying, "Amy and I went through something hard — because of me," and expressed gratitude for his wife. He emphasized that voters are more concerned with issues like healthcare and education than personal gossip.
Reports indicate that Platner's wife, Amy Gertner, discovered explicit text messages between him and multiple women shortly after their marriage in 2024. Platner's campaign confirmed these messages after they were reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Gertner defended her husband in a video, criticizing media outlets for focusing on personal attacks rather than substantive issues. Additionally, it was revealed that Platner has an account on Kik, an anonymous messaging app, which has raised concerns about safety. A campaign official stated that the app was downloaded when Platner was single and claimed it has since been deleted.
Further controversies include deleted online posts and a tattoo linked to Nazi imagery. Platner, a Marine Corps veteran, faced backlash for a 2019 Reddit post where he made disparaging remarks about a Purple Heart recipient. He has not apologized for these comments.
Platner is set to appear on the ballot for the Democratic Senate primary in Maine on June 9, 2026, alongside David Costello, with the winner facing incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in November.
