Maine Senate Candidate Graham Platner Responds to Controversy
2 verified3 unconfirmed
Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, has faced controversy during his campaign. In a recent interview, Platner stated that he believes voters are forgiving and focused on their own lives. Other reports have detailed a series of allegations involving Platner’s personal conduct, including exchanges of explicit messages and an active account on a private messaging app. Platner has denied the allegations, calling them based on gossip from a former staffer. His campaign has released a video from his wife defending their marriage. The Maine Democratic primary is scheduled for June 9, and Platner faces two other candidates on the ballot.
What’s verified
Graham Platner is a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine.
Controversy has surrounded Platner’s campaign.
Not yet confirmed
Platner said voters are “forgiving” and concerned about their own lives, according to a single report.
The Washington Monthly reports allegations that Platner exchanged sexual messages with multiple women and maintained an active Kik account, that his wife released a video defending the marriage, that Platner denied the messages, and that the Maine primary uses ranked-choice voting. These details have not been independently confirmed by other sources.
It remains unclear whether additional information about Platner’s past will emerge before the primary.
Key figures
Graham Platner (Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, Maine)
Amy Gertner (Platner’s wife)
Genevieve McDonald (former campaign staffer)
Kate Bedingfield (former Biden administration aide)
Morris Katz (Platner consultant)
Matt Stoller (populist commentator)
Sources: NPR, washingtonmonthly.com
