Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate aiming to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins in Maine, is facing scrutiny over personal text exchanges. According to reports, Platner sent sexual texts to multiple women after his marriage two years ago. Platner’s campaign confirmed the exchanges to Politico following an initial report by the Wall Street Journal.

These texts came to light after Platner’s wife, Amy Gertner, revealed them to a campaign aide shortly after their marriage in 2024. The Wall Street Journal indicated that Gertner shared this information before a campaign rally last year, which was supported by Senator Bernie Sanders.

“I confided deeply personal details about my marriage to someone I considered a friend. In the months since, I have had to watch as she spread malicious gossip to anyone who would take her call,” Gertner said. “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 — and I am deeply hurt by her betrayal and the invasion of our privacy.”

Gertner emphasized that she and Platner worked through the issues together, attending counseling and being honest with each other. She expressed that their marriage is now stronger than ever.

Platner, who is also an oyster farmer and veteran, has faced previous controversies. These include links to a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol and past comments on Reddit minimizing sexual assault. Despite these issues, a University of New Hampshire poll shows Platner leading with 51% support among likely Maine voters.

Platner is seen as the presumptive Democratic nominee following Governor Janet Mills’ exit from the race in April. In support, Representative Ro Khanna has praised Platner’s stance on issues such as war, genocide, and economic fairness.

Collins, however, has labeled Platner as too extreme for Maine. I believe that will be the conclusion of Maine voters, she told Fox News Digital. Platner criticized Collins for supporting policies benefitting corporations at the expense of working people.