Graham Platner Addresses Recent Allegations Over Explicit Text Messages
Graham Platner responds to reports that – In a statement released Sunday evening, Maine U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner addressed media reports that surfaced over the weekend regarding his exchange of sexually explicit text messages with multiple women. The candidate emphasized his commitment to his wife, Amy Gertner, and highlighted the challenges they faced during their marriage. “Amy and I went through something hard—because of me,” Platner said, underscoring the personal nature of the situation. “We did the work, and I’m grateful for her every hour of every day.”
Platner’s campaign has been actively defending the candidate’s character, with the focus shifting toward his dedication to key issues like healthcare and economic stability. “People don’t care about gossip or headlines, they care that you’re fighting for their hospitals, their paycheck, their kids,” he added, aiming to redirect public attention to his platform rather than the personal controversy.
The allegations emerged after Amy Gertner, Platner’s spouse, disclosed the messages to the Democratic Senate campaign in 2025. According to reports published by The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal on Saturday, Gertner informed the campaign about the communications she discovered following Platner’s Senate bid announcement. The texts, which were exchanged with as many as a dozen women, were initially considered a private matter during marital counseling, according to the Wall Street Journal. Gertner described the situation as a “private chapter of our lives” in a later statement, highlighting her trust in the individuals who shared the information.
Platner’s campaign has since posted a selfie-style video recorded by Gertner on social media, showcasing the couple’s bond and their shared experiences. In the video, Gertner expressed her support for her husband, stating, “We love each other deeply,” while also criticizing the media for spreading gossip. She called the attention to “a group of media outlets and people who are willing to spread gossip instead of talking about real issues that Graham is running on,” emphasizing her belief that the focus should remain on policy rather than personal conduct.
Gertner also released a prepared statement, acknowledging that she shared personal details about her marriage with someone she believed to be a close friend. “I trusted this person with the most private chapter of our lives—the early days of our marriage before any campaign was on our mind,” she explained. “I am deeply hurt by her betrayal and the invasion of our privacy.” However, Gertner did not specify the identity of the individual involved, leaving the details of the breach open to speculation.
The scandal has sparked a broader discussion about the role of personal conduct in political campaigns. Genevieve McDonald, a former Platner campaign political director, told The New York Times that Gertner feared the behavior could become a political liability. “He had been exchanging sexual messages with as many as a dozen women,” McDonald noted, adding that the campaign viewed the issue as a private matter. Despite the allegations, Platner continues to campaign, with his team releasing a new advertisement Monday morning to reinforce his message.
Morris Katz, a key advisor to Platner, issued a strong response on social media, condemning the invasion of privacy. “It’s no one’s f—— business what happened in Graham & Amy’s marriage before he was ever a candidate for office,” he wrote. “There should be no place in our politics for incompetent, opportunistic operatives who violate privacy, betray trust, and prioritize vengeance over decency.” Katz’s comments align with the campaign’s effort to frame the situation as an internal family matter, rather than a personal failing.
The Democratic primary in Maine is set for June 9, just eight days away, and Platner remains a top contender. Polling from the University of New Hampshire released days before the recent media reports indicated that nearly three-quarters of likely Democratic primary voters had a favorable view of Platner. In the general election, 51% of likely voters were expected to support him, with 42% favoring Republican Sen. Susan Collins. The recent controversy has raised questions about whether these poll numbers will shift, but Platner’s campaign has not yet signaled any significant changes in strategy.
As the primary approaches, the campaign has doubled down on its messaging, with Platner continuing to attend events and engage with voters. His appearance at a “Fighting Oligarchy” rally with U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders in Portland on May 25, 2026, was captured in a photo by Amanda Sabga/Reuters, illustrating the ongoing visibility of the candidate despite the recent allegations. The image, which shows Platner and Sanders in a candid moment, serves as a reminder of his political journey and the support he has garnered from prominent figures.
Meanwhile, the media’s role in the scandal has come under scrutiny. The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal were among the first to report the details, but Gertner’s video and statement have added a personal dimension to the narrative. By taking the initiative to share her perspective, she has positioned herself as a key figure in the story, potentially shifting the conversation from the campaign’s handling of the issue to the couple’s relationship dynamics.
Platner’s campaign has also been working to maintain its momentum, with efforts to highlight his achievements and policy priorities. The focus on “fighting for hospitals, paychecks, and kids” remains a central theme, as the campaign seeks to mitigate the impact of the personal messages on public perception. This approach reflects a broader strategy of associating the candidate’s personal life with his commitment to public service, a tactic often employed in high-profile political races.
The controversy has sparked debate about the balance between personal privacy and public accountability in politics. While some argue that the messages are a matter of private conduct, others question whether the campaign’s handling of the situation has been transparent. The Wall Street Journal reported that campaign aides eventually classified the texts as a private matter, but the timing of the disclosure—months after Platner’s announcement—has fueled speculation about the campaign’s priorities.
As the primary election nears, the focus is likely to remain on the candidates’ ability to connect with voters. With David Costello also on the ballot, the race has become more competitive, and Platner’s continued presence in the media suggests a determination to stay in the race. ABC News has reached out to Platner’s campaign for further comments, but no official response has been issued yet. The coming days will be crucial for the campaign as they navigate the challenges posed by the latest allegations.
In conclusion, the situation surrounding Graham Platner’s text messages has added a new layer to the Democratic Senate race in Maine. While the candidate and his wife have taken steps to defend their relationship, the controversy underscores the complexities of maintaining personal and political integrity in the face of public scrutiny. The final weeks of the campaign will determine whether these messages will shape the election or fade into the background as the focus shifts to the broader issues at stake.
