Bernie Sanders Stands by Graham Platner Amid Scandalous Text Message Revelations

Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., is backing Senate candidate Graham Platner despite explosive reports revealing that Platner exchanged sexually explicit texts with multiple women at the onset of his marriage.

Sanders, who has thrown his support behind Platner in the race against GOP Senator Susan Collins, insists that the focus should be on pressing issues rather than Platner’s marital missteps.

“We got a housing crisis. People can’t afford healthcare, they can’t afford groceries, they can’t afford to fill up their gas tanks,” Sanders stated emphatically. “I think it’s important for us to focus on the issues facing working families a little bit more than Graham Platner’s marriage.”

He expressed well wishes for Platner’s marriage but emphasized the need to prioritize the struggles of the working class over personal scandals.

Platner’s wife, Amy Gertner, voiced her anger in a video released by his campaign, condemning the reports as “shameful” gossip that distracts from the real issues at stake.

Reports from major outlets indicate that Gertner informed Platner’s campaign about the explicit texts last year while discussing potential opposition research. A former senior official in Platner’s campaign confirmed the existence of these messages.

Platner admitted to sending multiple sexually explicit texts during the early days of his marriage, which took place in 2023.

“Amy and I went through something hard — because of me,” Platner acknowledged. “We did the work, and I’m grateful for her every hour of every day.” He asserted that voters care more about substantive issues than sensational headlines.

Gertner reiterated in her video that their marriage is strong and that counseling has been beneficial.

Senator Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., also came to Platner’s defense, highlighting his non-traditional political journey and the couple's commitment to each other.

“He’s been very clear and open with his wife, and they worked through whatever they worked through,” Gallego remarked. “He’s winning the polls, he’s willing to accept that he has grown as a person, and I think we should accept that.”

Gallego pointed out that voters are primarily concerned with economic hardships rather than past indiscretions.

“The drip, drip that’s actually happening is, Americans are really, really hurt ... they can’t buy a home, you can’t afford rent,” he said. “They’re not going to care about text messages and everything else like that that happened years ago.”

Senator Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., dismissed the text message reports as a “tabloid story” that holds little weight in Maine.

“There’s a big D.C.-America disconnect, and it certainly applies to Maine,” Heinrich stated. He emphasized that voters will judge candidates based on their support for working-class Mainers.

The comments come just before Platner is scheduled to meet with Senate Democrats, a trip reportedly unrelated to the text message controversy.

In addition to Sanders, several national progressives have endorsed Platner, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., who reaffirmed her support following the scandal.

Warren criticized Collins’ past support of President Donald Trump and the U.S. war against Iran when asked if Platner’s past raised character concerns.

“Graham Platner is showing the courage and determination to take that on. I believe that’s what the people of Maine care the most about,” Warren asserted.

This isn’t the first time Platner has faced scrutiny during his campaign. In October, he issued an apology for controversial Reddit posts where he downplayed military sexual assault and made derogatory comments about rural white individuals.

He also faced backlash for a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, which he claimed he was unaware of when he got it while serving in the Marines in 2007.

Despite these controversies, polling indicates Platner remains a strong contender among Democratic voters in Maine, leading to Democratic Governor Janet Mills suspending her Senate campaign in April.

Mills clarified on Monday that she is still on the ballot for the June 9 primary despite suspending active campaigning.

Collins responded to the latest revelations by stating she has nothing further to add, noting that new information about Platner continues to emerge regarding his character.