Booker Voices Concerns Over Platner's Senate Bid Amid Scandals

Senator Cory Booker has voiced concerns about Graham Platner's candidacy for the U.S. Senate from Maine following revelations of sexually explicit messages sent by Platner to other women while married. The disclosures have ignited internal debates within the Democratic Party, as they grapple with controversies surrounding their presumptive nominee.

Amy Gertner, Platner’s wife, disclosed the existence of these texts to his campaign in 2025 after finding them on her husband's phone months into their marriage. According to Fox News, she revealed the messages before a campaign rally supported by Sen. Bernie Sanders, stating that she confided deeply personal details about her marriage to someone she considered a friend.

The controversies have led to resignations within Platner’s campaign, including Genevieve McDonald, who served as political director at the time of the revelations. McDonald stated: 'The United States Senate is not a training ground for redemption. It is a place for proven leaders with moral clarity and integrity.' Additionally, Platner faces scrutiny over past Reddit posts between 2009 and 2021 that included inflammatory comments about veterans, sexual assault, and political opponents.

Despite the backlash, Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut defended Platner, suggesting voters in Maine resonate with his 'regular people' struggles. However, Republicans like state Sen. Trey Stewart warn that Democrats are 'selling their soul' by defending Platner, citing his Nazi-linked tattoo and inflammatory remarks about veterans.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., has not backed away from his endorsement of Platner despite the growing scandals. Sanders argued that Platner’s firm stance against billionaires was dredging up the skeletons in his closet. 'What we're looking at right now is a situation where billionaires have already pledged to spend $90 million in a tiny state like Maine,' Sanders said. 'Trust me, that is a lot of money. They don't want him in.' Sanders also mentioned that Platner and his wife Amy would work on their marriage.

MSNBC host Eugene Daniels claimed that Graham Platner pulled out of appearing on the liberal network after his latest scandal. Daniels made the comment on his show 'The Weekend' in response to Gertner releasing a five-minute video defending Platner and his campaign. Platner's campaign denied this claim, stating that there was never an interview scheduled and that he was busy with back-to-back events.

The View co-host Sunny Hostin called Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner 'a liar, a racist, an anti-Semite' but still defended supporting his run for office in order for Democrats to win the Senate majority in November's midterm elections. During a discussion of Platner's latest scandal, Hostin admitted that she was conflicted due to her belief that the Democrats need to win back Congress. Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin spoke out against Platner's campaign earlier in the conversation, highlighting his inflammatory comments and lack of character.