Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) has expressed his concerns regarding Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, who has recently been embroiled in controversy due to reports of inappropriate sexual text messages sent to multiple women during his marriage. Platner, a 41-year-old oyster farmer and veteran, reportedly sent these explicit messages after marrying Amy Gertner in late 2023.
The situation escalated when Gertner discovered the messages on Platner’s phone in the spring of 2025. Following this revelation, she promptly informed a senior aide on his campaign about the texts, which led to the aide’s resignation. This individual stepped down amid allegations of sexual and violent comments made by Platner on social media, particularly Reddit. The campaign later confirmed these exchanges in a statement provided to Politico.
The scandal focuses on explicit communications via the messaging app Kik. The content of these messages has raised significant concerns about Platner’s character and fitness to run for office. This incident adds to a growing list of controversies linked to Platner, which includes previously surfaced posts containing crude or controversial material on Reddit, as well as a now-covered tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol.
Platner had been viewed as a promising candidate within the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, often labeled a “rising star.” However, the recent developments threaten to undermine his campaign as well as the party’s overall standing within the state.
Senator Booker’s Perspective
During an appearance on ABC’s This Week, Senator Booker openly acknowledged his concerns regarding Platner, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in political campaigns. “That guy has questions to answer, and that’s what campaigns are for,” he stated, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues directly.
While Booker articulated the significance of the Senate’s control in the upcoming election, he refrained from endorsing Platner or indicating any intentions to actively campaign on his behalf. This reluctance may reflect a broader hesitation among Democratic leaders to fully engage with the details of the scandal.
Other prominent figures within the Democratic Party, such as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), have similarly chosen to deflect inquiries concerning Platner’s situation. Their lack of direct commentary indicates the sensitive nature of the issue and the potential ramifications for the party leading into the primaries.
Implications for the Upcoming Election
With the Maine Democratic Party primary scheduled for June 9, Platner has maintained a strong position as the frontrunner for the nomination since Governor Janet Mills suspended her own campaign. However, the scandal has impacted public perception and raised doubts about his viability in the general election against seasoned Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Betting markets such as Polymarket showed Platner’s electoral prospects declining in light of the controversy, with his chances falling from approximately 78 percent earlier this month. Public opinion polls do indicate Platner’s continued lead over Collins, including a recent University of New Hampshire survey showing a 51%-42% advantage. Nonetheless, the influx of controversies has created uncertainty around what was previously considered a strong opportunity for the Democrats.
As the June primary approaches, the attention surrounding Graham Platner, both from the media and within the party, will be critical in shaping the discourse leading up to the election. The future of his campaign, and indeed the Democratic Party’s position in Maine, hangs in the balance as these issues unfold.