Graham Platner, the Maine Democratic Senate nominee, has faced intense scrutiny over allegations of sending sexually explicit messages to women while his marriage was still young.
Platner had repeatedly criticized former GOP Rep. Duncan Hunter on Reddit for alleged infidelity, calling him a "real piece of sh-t" and a "garbage person" in 2019 posts. He claimed that Hunter had confided in him about his extramarital affairs while working as a bartender in Washington, D.C.
However, it has since been revealed that Platner himself had sent explicit messages to women outside his marriage. His campaign confirmed the allegations, which were first brought to light by his former political director.
Platner's wife released a statement expressing her pain and betrayal, stating that she had trusted him with private details about their marriage. Meanwhile, Platner's own campaign downplayed the number of women he had communicated with, saying it was only a handful and that their conversations were not ongoing.
Platner's past behavior has raised questions about his character and fitness for office. The Senate candidate has also faced allegations of rape from another ex-girlfriend, which he denies.
As a result, major Democrats have rescinded their endorsement of Platner, and he is now facing calls to drop out of the Maine Senate race. With Democrats having until July 13 to replace him, Platner is reportedly using this deadline as leverage to name a successor.
The Platner campaign has not commented on these allegations, despite repeated requests for comment.
