Maine Senate Candidate Graham Platner Acknowledges Explicit Messages Sent Years Ago
Graham Platner, the presumptive Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine, is under scrutiny after reports that he sent sexually explicit texts to several women while married. The reports emerged on May 31, 2026.
Nbc NewsU.S. Senate in Maine, is facing growing scrutiny over reports that he sent sexually explicit texts to several women. His wife, Gertner, found sexually explicit messages on her husband’s account in spring 2025.
Post by @DailyCaller on X
She told campaign political director Genevieve McDonald about the messages in late August, days after Platner launched his Democratic Senate bid in Maine. McDonald confirmed to CNN that Gertner had confided in her about the messages. CNN verified a Kik account registered under the handle phustle0331 that appears to belong to Platner, though the network said it could not independently confirm the content of the texts.
The Wall Street Journal reported the account dates to 2016 and includes a shirtless mirror selfie of Platner. Platner’s campaign said he deleted the Kik app but never closed the account. Staffers conducted opposition research on their own candidate but treated the messages as a private matter the couple was addressing, the Wall Street Journal reported.
A Labor Day rally featuring Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders proceeded without incident. Platner has faced separate criticism over a covered Nazi-linked tattoo and earlier internet posts about public masturbation, according to CBS News.
His primary rival, Gov. Janet Mills, withdrew from the race in April. NBC News broadcast a report on the explicit-texts scrutiny on May 31, 2026.
Transparency
4 core facts confirmed by 2+ independent outlets, spanning multiple sides of the spectrum. 14 single-source, 0 disputed.
Confirmed across 3 sides of the spectrum by reputable outlets — cross-spectrum agreement is the strongest signal a fact holds.
9 outlets classified · 4 left · 1 center · 4 right. Coverage spans the spectrum.
- 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.
Story details
Related Stories
The IndependentAppeals Court Allows White House to Resume Construction of Secure Ballroom and Counter-Drone Facility
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled that President Trump lacks authority to build the 90,000-square-foot ballroom. An appeals court later allowed above-ground work to continue.
pakistantoday.com.pkBritish Man Extradited on AgustaWestland Bribery Charges Appeals Additional Forgery Count in Indian Supreme Court
Christian Michel, held since 2018 on bribery charges tied to a 2010 helicopter contract, will have his case heard by India’s Supreme Court in July 2026. His son says India is applying different standards to Michel than to diamond merchant Nirav Modi.
AxiosWhite House Releases Trump’s Latest Walter Reed Physical: President Found in Excellent Health at Age 79
The memo, issued at 10:44 p.m. ET on Friday, May 29, 2026, states that Trump is in excellent health and fully fit for duty. It includes details on his weight, cardiac age, and ongoing treatments.