Graham Platner, a candidate for the U.S. Senate from Maine, has been rocked by multiple scandals just days before the June 9 Democratic primary. Platner’s wife, Amy Gertner, revealed last year that he exchanged sexually explicit texts with other women during their marriage, a disclosure that surfaced publicly in recent media coverage [1, 2].

In addition, controversy erupted over a tattoo Platner has that resembles Nazi war iconography, specifically the Totenkopf or death’s head symbol. The tattoo has since been covered up amid backlash [3, 4]. Old Reddit posts from Platner dating between 2013 and 2021 resurfaced, containing contentious remarks about veterans, sexual assault, racial stereotypes, and political violence [1, 4].

Platner also keeps an active profile on Kik, an anonymous messaging app criticized for child exploitation risks. His opponents in the GOP mocked a shirtless towel photo he posted on the app [3, 4].

Despite the scandals, Senator Bernie Sanders remains a strong supporter of Platner. Sanders emphasized Platner’s progressive platform focused on fighting billionaires and working-class issues. He said, "What we're looking at right now is a situation where billionaires have already pledged to spend $90 million in a tiny state like Maine... They don't want him in the Senate because he stands up to big money interests" [3]. Sanders also dismissed calls to focus on Platner’s personal life: "Maybe we should be focusing on important issues facing working people ... not focusing on his marriage" [2]. He retorted to critics citing morality concerns by referencing President Trump: "Have a nice day" [4].

Amy Gertner publicly defended the campaign on June 2, criticizing media coverage for focusing on gossip rather than policy areas like healthcare, education, and childcare. She described the challenges of a Senate run amid newlywed and infertility struggles [2].

These scandals break as Democratic Governor Janet Mills dropped out of the Maine Senate race due to financial troubles, making Platner the likely nominee to oppose incumbent Republican Susan Collins, who is seeking a sixth term [3, 1]. Collins, representing a state won by Kamala Harris two years ago, declined detailed comment but said, "Every day there's a new revelation about Graham Platner that reflects on his character" [3].

Control of the Senate hinges on Democrats netting four seats, with Maine's race a key contest [1]. Platner met with Democratic leaders at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee headquarters in Washington, D.C., in early June for over 90 minutes amid the suspicions [1, 4].

The Maine primary election is set for June 9, when voters will decide the Democratic nominee to face Collins in the November general election [1, 4].