SULLIVAN, Maine — In the small town of Sullivan, Maine, the controversial actions of Senate candidate Graham Platner have become a hot topic just days before a critical primary. Many residents are questioning whether the Democrat’s behavior makes him suitable for office.
Platner, who is challenging longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins, was revealed by the Wall Street Journal to have engaged in inappropriate sexting with women on the app Kik while he was married. Additionally, the New York Times reported on his alleged history of misogynistic behavior, including locking an ex-girlfriend in a room.
The local community in Sullivan, with a population of 1,200, has expressed strong disapproval.
“Someone like that shouldn’t be running for office. It’s ridiculous,” said a local resident named Esther, with agreement from her 85-year-old husband.
89-year-old retiree Barbara Watkins described Platner’s numerous scandals as “horrible.”
“He should withdraw from the race,” she added.
After marrying his wife in 2023, Platner used the username Phustle0331 on Kik, where he sent explicit messages to at least six women, using a shirtless selfie as his profile picture. His actions were reported to campaign staff by his wife, Amy Gertner, during their opposition research in August.
Despite the controversies, Gertner defended her husband on social media, stating they were working through their issues and were happy together.
However, not all locals are convinced. Some women in the community have expressed sympathy for his wife.
“I don’t think it’s right for him to do that,” said Susan Harmon, 50. “Obviously, he thinks it’s okay, but I feel sorry for his wife.”
87-year-old Navy veteran Colby A. Young labeled Platner an “idiot.”
“He talks like one and acts like one,” noted Young.
This sexting incident is just the latest in a series of controversies since Platner entered the spotlight nine months ago. He has been criticized for making offensive comments about rape victims, law enforcement, and minorities online, and he even claimed ignorance about having a Nazi “death’s head” tattoo for nearly 20 years.
Despite these scandals, Platner has repeatedly assured voters that there are no additional secrets in his past, reiterating this promise as recently as April during a Maine town hall and again to Democrats this week.
Polling indicates that Platner, endorsed by prominent figures such as Sens. Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, is leading the race and is ahead of Collins by more than seven points.
A victory for Platner would mark a significant shift in Sullivan’s conservative voting history, as the town supported Republican candidates in the 2024 and 2020 elections, re-electing Collins by nearly 20 points over her Democratic rival six years ago.
Despite his past actions, some of Platner’s supporters remain loyal.
“As a married woman, I’m not thrilled about it, but if that’s the extent of it and they can work through it together, that’s what matters most,” said Nicole Esther, 55.
“Ultimately, it’s not my business,” she concluded.
