The wife of Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, Amy Gertner, informed his campaign in 2025 about inappropriate messages Platner sent to other women. This disclosure occurred during an internal vetting process at the campaign’s start. Initially reported by the Wall Street Journal, Gertner stated that they have received counseling, and their marriage is now strong.
Gertner emphasized her trust in the campaign staffer she confided in, sharing intimate details about their marriage. She expressed feeling betrayed by the staffer’s reveal. In her statement, Gertner reassured, “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.”
Graham Platner is anticipated to contest Republican Sen. Susan Collins in the forthcoming midterm elections. He became the presumptive Democratic nominee after his primary opponent, Maine Gov. Janet Mills, exited the race in April. Platner has dealt with controversies, including making inappropriate online remarks and having a tattoo once recognized as a Nazi symbol, which he later covered.
The outcome of the Maine Senate race is significant for determining party control in the chamber post-midterms. Platner has gained endorsements from progressive senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, aligning his campaign with populist values and emphasizing his working-class roots.
In an April discussion with CBS News’ Major Garrett on “The Takeout,” Platner attributed his previous contentious opinions to post-traumatic stress disorder and his military experience. He described the military as “a hyper-masculine, hyper-violent place.” Platner noted, “We have a crude sense of humor in the infantry. We certainly have a, I would say, narrow view of a lot of topics, and that colored my opinions and my beliefs.” He added that his opinions have evolved over time, with broader experiences shaping his current views.
Leave a Reply