Bernie Sanders and Others Defend Senate Candidate amid Controversy

Senator Bernie Sanders, independent from Vermont, has expressed support for Senate candidate Graham Platner after reports surfaced about his exchange of sexually explicit texts with women early in his marriage. Sanders, who backs Platner’s campaign against GOP Sen. Susan Collins in Maine, emphasized the importance of focusing on issues affecting working families.

Sanders stated, “We face a housing crisis, and many families struggle to afford healthcare, groceries, and gasoline. We must prioritize these pressing issues over Graham Platner’s marriage matters,” he commented to reporters in Washington.

Sanders also mentioned Platner’s wife, calling her a “very lovely woman” he has met, and noted she remains with Platner. Platner’s wife, Amy Gertner, expressed her anger over the reports in a video released by Platner’s campaign. She criticized the focus on “gossip” instead of the issues at stake in her husband’s candidacy.

The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal reported that Gertner informed Platner’s campaign about the explicit texts early in his Senate bid. Platner’s campaign confirmed he exchanged such texts with multiple women at the beginning of his marriage, which began in 2023.

“Amy and I went through something difficult – because of me,” Platner said in a statement. “We worked on it, and I’m grateful to her every hour of every day.” Platner emphasized that people care more about their hospitals, paychecks, and children than gossip. He stated, “This campaign is about moving Maine forward and overcoming broken politics.”

Gertner affirmed in her video they have a “great marriage” and that counseling has benefited them.

Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona supported Platner, saying, “Graham has lived an uncommon political experience. He’s been open with his wife and they resolved their matters.” Gallego pointed out that voters are more concerned with economic issues like high gas and food prices than with past personal matters.

Senator Martin Heinrich from New Mexico characterized the reports as “tabloid stories” and believed they were more significant in Washington than in Maine, where the focus is on who supports working-class Mainers. Heinrich expressed confidence in both Platner and Gertner, having held conversations with them about personal matters.

The defense of Platner comes as he prepares to meet with Senate Democrats, a meeting planned before the text message reports emerged. Platner has the endorsement of several national progressives, including Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Representative Ro Khanna from California, both reaffirming their support for him despite the recent controversy.

This is not the first challenge Platner has faced in his candidacy. In October, he apologized for past Reddit posts that downplayed the experiences of sexually assaulted military members and used derogatory language about white rural people. He also addressed a tattoo from his military service that resembled a Nazi symbol, asserting a lack of awareness of its significance at the time.

Despite these controversies, Platner remained popular among Democratic voters in Maine, prompting Democratic Governor Janet Mills to pause her Senate bid earlier this year. However, Mills clarified she remains on the ballot.

Senator Collins of Maine responded briefly to the ongoing reports, highlighting continued revelations about Platner’s character.