Senator Cory Booker from New Jersey commented on the controversies surrounding Graham Platner, the presumptive Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine, during an appearance on ABC’s “This Week.” When asked about Platner sending explicit messages to six women despite being married, Booker acknowledged, “Yes, I have concerns. That guy has questions to answer, and that’s what campaigns are for.” He noted the importance of the Democratic Party’s need to gain control of the Senate in 2026, stating, “I know that so much is riding on Democrats taking control of the Senate.”

Following a report by the Wall Street Journal, Platner’s campaign verified these text exchanges. The report indicated that Platner’s wife, Amy Gertner, informed a campaign aide about these texts when Platner initiated his Senate bid. The text messages have sparked criticism as Gertner addressed in a five-minute video defending Platner and his focus on issues like healthcare, education, and childcare. “It makes me really angry, disappointed, and I find it really shameful that there’s a group of media outlets and people who are willing to spread gossip,” Gertner stated.

Platner has faced previous controversies as well, including a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, controversial comments on Reddit about sexual assault, and a deleted post claiming a wounded soldier “didn’t deserve to live.” Despite these challenges, Platner’s campaign maintains its focus on key issues amid the scandal.