Senator Booker Addresses Scandals Surrounding Maine Senate Candidate Graham Platner

Senator Cory Booker from New Jersey has expressed his concerns regarding the ongoing scandals involving Graham Platner, who is the likely Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine. During an appearance on ABC’s “This Week,” Booker was questioned about the controversies affecting Platner’s campaign, following reports of Platner sending explicit messages to multiple women despite being in a marital relationship.

Jonathan Karl, host of the show, asked if Booker was worried that these controversies might affect Democratic chances of securing a Senate seat in Maine. Booker responded affirmatively, noting the need for Platner to address these issues. “That guy has questions to answer, and that’s what campaigns are for,” Booker stated.

The senator also voiced his broader concerns about the Democratic Party’s efforts to regain control of the Senate in 2026. “I know that so much is riding on Democrats taking control of the Senate,” he stated. “If we do not get the votes necessary to take care of the House and the Senate, we will continue to have an out-of-control president.” This highlights the broader implications these controversies could have on the political landscape.

Fox News Digital sought comments from Platner’s campaign in light of the situation. Politico confirmed that Platner’s campaign acknowledged the exchanges following a Wall Street Journal report. Platner’s wife, Amy Gertner, informed a campaign aide about the messages as they examined potential political risks associated with his Senate bid.

After the story garnered widespread attention, Gertner released a five-minute video defending her husband and his campaign. She expressed her frustration over the media choosing to focus on gossip rather than key issues such as healthcare, education, and childcare, which her husband campaigned on.

“So it makes me really angry, disappointed, and I find it really shameful that there’s a group of media outlets and people who are willing to spread gossip, instead of talking about real issues that Graham is running on,” Gertner stated.

Apart from the text exchanges, Platner has been involved in previous controversies, including a tattoo that resembled a Nazi symbol, controversial remarks on Reddit minimizing sexual assault, making crude comments about masturbation, and deleting a post where he suggested a wounded soldier “didn’t deserve to live.” These incidents add to the complexity of his campaign.

For further information, Fox News’ Brie Stimson contributed to the report. Lindsay Kornick, an associate editor for Fox News Digital, is open to receiving story tips.