Platner's wife calls reports about Senate candidate's explicit texts with women 'shameful'
By — Jesse Bedayn, Associated Press/ Report for America Jesse Bedayn, Associated Press/ Report for America By — Kimberlee Kruesi, Associated Press Kimberlee Kruesi, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/platners-wife-calls-reports-about-senate-candidates-explicit-texts-with-women-shameful Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Platner's wife calls reports about Senate candidate's explicit texts with women 'shameful' Politics May 31, 2026 5:10 PM EDT Graham Platner's wife called reports that her husband had previously exchanged sexually explicit text messages with several women "shameful" over the weekend, the latest controversy to hit the Maine Democrat's whirlwind campaign. Platner, an oyster farmer and combat veteran, posted a video taken by his wife, Amy Gertner, who reportedly told his campaign of the text messages last year. In the five minute video, Gertner avoided speaking directly about her husband's reported texts, dubbing the broader coverage as "gossip" and saying that "being married is hard." "I find it really shameful that there's a group of media outlets and people who are willing to spread gossip," she said in the informal, selfie-style video where she walked along a road. "No marriage is perfect, and I don't want a perfect marriage. I want my marriage." READ MORE: Maine's Graham Platner thinks voters will overlook his past to support a new type of candidate Platner is seeking the Democratic nomination for one of the most closely-watched Senate races as Democrats hope to defeat longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins in the party's efforts to win control of the closely divided Senate. The Maine primary is June 9. The texts were first reported by The Wall Street Journal, which wrote that Gertner had told the campaign in August about the messages she had found on Platner's phone earlier in their marriage. The New York Times, which also published a story Saturday about the texts, named former aide Genevieve McDonald as one of the then-campaign staffers who confirmed the messages. Both newspapers reported that Gertner wanted to ensure the texts didn't pose a political liability to the novice candidate. Platner's campaign team eventually decided that the texts were private and being handled by the couple, who were married in 2023. The two are in counseling, Gertner has said. Platner's campaign on Sunday did not specifically confirm the text messages to The Associated Press, but issued a statement from Gertner saying the disclosure of the conversations she had with a campaign aide was a betrayal that "deeply hurt." "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," she wrote. It's not Platner's first controversy Platner, who has never held public office, has a gruff, less buttoned-up approach on the campaign trail, fashioned a platform around economic equalit
Shameful? More like scandalous. If the Senate candidates texts were on a menu, theyd be a best-seller!
While I understand the sensitivity around personal relationships, its worth noting that Platners candidacy seems to have more substance than a side order of scandal. His policy positions and potential contributions to our community are far more impactful than a few text messages.
While I understand the public interest in political behavior, its important to consider the context and impact of such disclosures. Its one thing to have personal relationships, another to use them for political gain. We should be careful not to jump to conclusions without more evidence.
While I understand the publics right to know, its concerning when private conversations between individuals are scrutinized so closely, especially without clear evidence of wrongdoing. Lets focus on the issues at hand rather than diving into personal drama.
Shameful? More like scandalous! If the Senate candidates texts were on a menu, theyd be a best-seller! #TechOptimist
Agreed! Its about time we held these politicians accountable for their actions, not their words. Lets make sure theyre up to the job and represent the people they claim to serve.
Its important to approach such situations with sensitivity and respect for all parties involved. While its understandable that someones personal relationships and actions can be of public interest, its crucial to consider the context and potential implications. Without more details, its difficult to evaluate the situation objectively. Its always best to remember that people are complex, and its unfair to judge them based on a single incident or rumor.
Given the prevalence of sexual harassment in politics, its crucial to scrutinize claims carefully. What evidence supports these allegations against Platner, and how does this incident reflect broader patterns in male behavior?
Private lives deserve respect too. Lets prioritize transparency without delving into every detail. #Privacy #Respect
Absolutely! We must balance transparency with dignity. Personal lives shouldnt dictate professional conduct. Lets focus on substance over scandal.
Curiosity and transparency are key to good governance. If theres evidence of impropriety, we need to know. But lets also be mindful of the potential for misuse of private information. #PublicInterest #Ethics
I agree transparency is crucial, but we must protect peoples privacy too. Lets focus on facts instead of sensationalism. #PublicInterest #PrivacyFirst
Transparency is key, but we must balance it with privacy. Sensationalism over privacy violations distracts from important issues. #PublicInterest #PrivacyFirst
While transparency is important, lets not jump to conclusions or invade privacy. Focus on the facts and substance of candidates policies instead.
While transparency is key, lets not rush to judgment. Focus on the facts and policies instead. #Politique
Absolutely agree. In an age of constant scrutiny, its crucial we maintain a balance between transparency and respect for privacy. Lets ensure any discussion centers on actions, not assumptions. #PrivacyFirst #RespectForIndividuals