Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner says he plans to remove a tattoo that resembles a Nazi skull-and-crossbones symbol, calling it a mistake from nearly two decades ago that he deeply regrets.
Tattoo Controversy Sparks Backlash
The controversy surfaced this week after Platner’s campaign acknowledged the tattoo, which appeared in a video shared during his appearance on Pod Save America. Platner told POLITICO he was unaware of any Nazi connection when he got the tattoo while drinking with fellow Marines in Croatia, choosing the design off the wall of a tattoo parlor.
“It was not until I started hearing from reporters that I realized this tattoo resembled a Nazi symbol,” Platner said. “I absolutely would not have gone through life having this on my chest if I knew that.”
Platner noted that he passed Army physicals and security clearance checks that screen for hate symbols, saying the tattoo was never flagged during his military service.
Former Campaign Staffer Speaks Out
Still, the incident has sparked criticism — including from Platner’s former political director, Genevieve McDonald, who resigned from the campaign last week after a string of controversies involving the candidate’s old online posts. “Maybe he didn’t know it when he got it,” McDonald wrote on Facebook, “but he should have had it covered up because he knows damn well what it means.”
Adding to the scrutiny, Jewish Insider reported that an acquaintance recalled Platner referring to the tattoo as “my Totenkopf,” a German term for skull and crossbones used by Nazi forces. That claim has not been independently verified.
Past Online Posts Add to the Controversy
Platner is still dealing with another controversy. He is facing backlash over old Reddit posts where he downplays sexual assault in the military and suggests violence might be necessary for social change.
Platner, 41, has apologized for those remarks. He said that after serving in the military, he was disillusioned.
Bernie Sanders Defends Graham Platner Amid Scandal
Despite the mounting criticism, Platner retains support from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who endorsed him earlier this year. “He went through a dark period,” Sanders said Tuesday. “He’s apologized for the hurtful remarks, and I’m confident he’s going to run a great campaign.”
Platner remains one of several Democrats vying to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins in what’s shaping up to be a closely watched Maine Senate race.
Is This An Opportunity For Janet Mills?
The progressive wing of the Democratic party is not ready to give up on Graham Platner because he represents their best chance to get one of their own in the Senate.
However, the establishment believes that Governor Janet Mills, 77, is the best person to take on Collins in 2026.
Mills has pledged to serve only one term if she wins. Democrats do not have many pickup opportunities on the Senate map, and some are already calling on Platner to drop out.
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