Sen. Cory Booker voices ‘concerns’ with Platner after latest scandal Senator Cory Booker voiced concerns that Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner’s recent scandals, including “sexually explicit texts,” could jeopardize Democratic chances against incumbent Susan Collins. Other Democratic senators, Chris Murphy and Andy Kim, offered less direct commentary, with Murphy defending Platner’s character and Kim focusing on his home state. Platner, facing scrutiny for past social media activity and a Nazi symbol tattoo, responded by dismissing the reports as “gossip” from “establishment media” and emphasized his focus on policy issues.

• Sen. Cory Booker expressed concern that Graham Platner’s scandals could harm Democratic efforts to unseat Sen. Susan Collins in Maine.
• Reports surfaced detailing “sexually explicit texts” found on Platner’s phone, adding to previous controversies like a Nazi symbol tattoo.
• Other Democratic senators, Andy Kim and Chris Murphy, offered less direct criticism, with Murphy defending Platner’s character.
• Platner dismissed the reports as “gossip” and stated his focus is on policy issues like healthcare and childcare.
• Platner’s wife, Amy Gertner, stated they are receiving marriage counseling and expressed anger over the timing of the report.
• Maine law allows for Platner to be withdrawn from the ballot before July 13 and replaced by the Democratic Party.
• A recent poll shows Platner leading Collins by nine percentage points.