Maine Senate Candidate Graham Platner Faces New Scrutiny
Democratic candidate Graham Platner is under increased scrutiny following a Wall Street Journal report. His wife, Amy Gertner, informed campaign officials that he sent explicit texts to several women shortly after their November 2023 marriage. This disclosure emerged just before the June 9 primary. Platner has been gaining momentum in polls against Republican incumbent Susan Collins, and this revelation could impact the race.
Gertner stated, “I know who Graham is. I know the man I married and the husband he has been to me on the best and the worst days of my life. That hasn’t changed, and it won’t.” She expressed feeling hurt by the betrayal and the invasion of privacy by a former staff member she trusted. Newsweek sought comment from Platner’s campaign.
Why It Matters
Maine is a politically competitive state, often supporting Democrats in presidential elections while backing moderate Republicans in other races. The Cook Political Report labels this Senate race a “toss-up.” National Democrats see flipping Collins’ seat as crucial for regaining the Senate majority. Support for Platner from Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren highlights the race’s importance.
Platner’s campaign has faced controversies, including offensive past online comments and a controversial tattoo. He has apologized, attributing past behaviors to PTSD from military service.
What to Know
Gertner told campaign aides about the texts during an internal vetting last August. A campaign official suggested the issue be handled privately between Platner and Gertner, who were attending marriage counseling. Gertner openly discussed their fertility struggles and a miscarriage they experienced.
Former campaign director Genevieve McDonald reported Gertner alerted aides about Platner sending explicit messages to up to twelve women. Current officials stated the communications ended before his campaign began. McDonald criticized Platner’s suitability for the Senate, emphasizing the need for leadership and integrity.
In her statement, Gertner expressed betrayal by confiding in someone she considered a friend. Details of the messages remain unspecified.
What Do Polls Show?
A Pine Tree State Poll from late May found Platner at 51% with Collins at 42%, with 6% undecided. Independents were split, leaning slightly toward Collins. This poll, with a margin of error of 2.6 percentage points, reflects a similar landscape as February’s polls, though undecided voters have decreased.
Another poll from Pan Atlantic Research showed Platner leading by 7 points. It surveyed 827 likely voters and had a margin of error of 3.7 percentage points. A Maine People’s Resource Center poll also found Platner ahead by 9 points.
A March Emerson College poll conducted with 1,075 likely voters showed Platner up by 7 points, highlighting his increasing favorability in the race.