Bernie Sanders Doubles Down on Graham Platner Endorsement Despite Explosive Sexting Scandal

Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont is standing by his endorsement of Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner despite recent reports that Platner exchanged explicit text messages with multiple women after marrying his wife in 2024, as reported by Fox News.

The controversy emerged after a report from The Wall Street Journal detailed concerns raised within Platner’s campaign regarding potential political liabilities connected to the messages.

According to the report, Platner’s wife, Amy Gertner, informed a campaign aide about the texts after Platner launched his Senate campaign and staff began reviewing issues that could affect the race.

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Politico later reported that Platner’s campaign confirmed the exchanges had taken place.

Despite the reports, Sanders indicated Monday that he has no intention of withdrawing his support for the Democratic candidate.

Speaking to an MS Now reporter, Sanders argued that voters should focus on economic concerns rather than the controversy surrounding Platner’s personal life.

“Sixty percent of our people are living paycheck to paycheck. People can’t afford healthcare. They can’t afford groceries. They can’t afford to fill up their gas tanks. The oligarchs are planning to spend, I believe, some $90 million in a small state like Maine to defeat Graham Platner,” Sanders said.

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“So I think maybe we should be focusing on the important issues facing working people throughout this country, not focusing on his marriage.”

When asked directly whether he was reconsidering his endorsement, Sanders responded, “Certainly not.”

The Vermont senator expanded on those comments by pointing to statements made by Platner’s wife.

“And my understanding is that his wife, Amy, who I’ve met, indicated they love each other. But maybe we focus on the issues facing the American people, the people of Maine, and not the marriage issues facing Graham Platner,” Sanders said.

Later Monday, Sanders was questioned again by reporters about whether he still supported Platner’s campaign. According to The Associated Press, he answered, “Of course,” before adding, “Why would I not?”

Platner has become one of the most closely watched Democratic candidates in the 2026 election cycle as he seeks a U.S. Senate seat from Maine.

The controversy stems from reports that Gertner discovered the messages months after the couple married in 2024. The issue resurfaced publicly during the Senate campaign, prompting renewed scrutiny of the candidate.

Over the weekend, Gertner publicly defended her husband and his campaign in a video posted to X.

“So it makes me really angry, disappointed, and I find it really shameful that there’s a group of media outlets and people who are willing to spread gossip, instead of talking about real issues that Graham is running on — like healthcare, education, and childcare,” Gertner said.

She also addressed the challenges the couple has faced since their marriage.

“Being newly married is hard. Being newly married and going through infertility is hard. Being newly married, going through infertility, and a Senate campaign is hard,” Gertner said.

Sanders and Platner have appeared together at multiple campaign events in Maine, including stops on Sanders’ “Fighting Oligarchy” tour. One event took place in Portland on May 25, while another was held at the Collins Center for the Arts on the University of Maine campus in Orono on May 24.

The controversy has generated questions from some Democrats. Sen. Cory Booker previously acknowledged that Platner “has questions to answer.”

Even with the growing attention surrounding the reports, Sanders has made clear that his support for the Maine Senate candidate remains unchanged as the race continues.

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