Democrats Divided Over Maine Candidate Platner Amid Multiple Scandals
7 verified5 unconfirmed
Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, is facing a growing list of controversies as he travels to Washington, D.C., to meet with Senate Democrats. The scandals include a Nazi-themed tattoo, old Reddit posts, and reports of explicit text messages sent to other women after his marriage. Democratic reactions are split, with Sen. John Fetterman sharply criticizing Platner and Sen. Adam Schiff declining to answer questions about his support. Sen. Bernie Sanders has refused to back away from his endorsement, arguing the focus should be on economic issues. Platner’s wife, Amy Gertner, has defended him, saying their marriage is stronger after counseling. Former Gov. Janet Mills, who ended her own Senate campaign in April, remains on the primary ballot. Republicans, including Kellyanne Conway, have called on Democrats to distance themselves from Platner.
What’s verified
Graham Platner is the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine.
His controversies include a Nazi symbol tattoo, old Reddit posts, explicit texts to women, and a profile on the Kik platform.
Sen. Bernie Sanders continues to endorse Platner, saying the focus should be on working-class issues.
Sen. John Fetterman criticized Platner, calling his actions “tacky and gross” and comparing Democratic support to that of a disgraced former lawmaker.
Sen. Adam Schiff declined to answer whether he still supports Platner, saying he wants to learn more about recent allegations.
Platner’s wife, Amy Gertner, has publicly defended him, stating their marriage is strong.
Maine Gov. Janet Mills dropped out of the Senate race in April but is still on the primary ballot.
Not yet confirmed
Specific details about Platner calling a soldier a “dumb motherf—–” and cheering the beating of IDF soldiers come from a single source.
Kellyanne Conway’s comparison of Platner to former KKK leader David Duke and her call for Democrats to step away from him appears in only one source.
Sen. John Kennedy’s comment that voters think Platner is “an idiot” is reported by a single source.
The Wall Street Journal’s claim that Platner’s wife discovered the texts months after their 2024 marriage is mentioned in only one source.
It is unclear whether Platner will face any formal calls to drop out from Senate leadership.
Key figures
Graham Platner, Amy Gertner, John Fetterman, Bernie Sanders, Adam Schiff, Angela Alsobrooks, Ruben Gallego, Martin Heinrich, Janet Mills, Susan Collins, John Kennedy, Kellyanne Conway.
Sources: foxnews.com, newrepublic.com
