Democratic Maine Senate Candidate's Wife Disclosed Explicit Texts to Campaign in 2025
The wife of Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner told his campaign last year about sexually explicit messages he sent to other women. She later issued a public statement defending their marriage and criticizing the disclosure of private details.
nbcnews.comThe wife of Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner informed his campaign in 2025 about sexually explicit text messages he had sent to other women. Amy Gertner, whom Platner married in November 2023, made the disclosure during an internal vetting process at the start of his campaign.
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Gertner's account was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. In a video posted by the campaign, Gertner said the couple has faced multiple challenges including infertility and the demands of a Senate race.
" She also expressed hurt over the release of private details she had shared with a campaign staff member. " — Amy Gertner, statement provided by Platner campaign Platner told CBS News that he and his wife had discussed the matter with the campaign and completed counseling.
A campaign official confirmed the messages exist but said Platner objects to the way private facts were shared with journalists.
Platner is the presumptive Democratic nominee and is expected to face Republican Sen. Susan Collins in the November midterm elections. He has been endorsed by progressive Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. The candidate has previously addressed past controversial online comments and a tattoo he later covered, attributing earlier views to post-traumatic stress and military service.
The outcome of the Maine Senate race is expected to influence party control of the chamber after the midterms.
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- CNN reported: Gertner discovered sexually explicit messages on Platner’s account in spring 2025.
- CNN reported: Gertner informed campaign aide Genevieve McDonald about the messages in late August 2025.
- CNN reported: The disclosure occurred days after Platner launched his Senate bid.
- CNN reported: McDonald confirmed that Gertner confided in her about the sexting.
- CNN reported: Platner’s wife is named Gertner.
- Wall Street Journal reported: Campaign staff conducted opposition research on Platner and treated the messages as a private matter the couple was addressing.
- CNN reported: Platner’s primary rival, Gov. Janet Mills, withdrew from the race in April.
- CBS News reported: Gertner shared deeply personal details about her marriage with someone she trusted.
- Washington Examiner reported: Sen. Chris Murphy said Platner “made mistakes.”
- CNN reported: Genevieve McDonald was the campaign’s former political director.
- CBS News reported: Gertner stated she was deeply hurt by the betrayal and invasion of privacy.
- CBS News reported: Platner covered up a Nazi-linked tattoo.
- CBS News reported: Platner faced criticism over prior internet posts about public masturbation.
- CBS News reported: A Labor Day rally featuring Sen. Bernie Sanders proceeded without incident.
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