Following the news that Graham Platner had a tattoo of a Nazi Symbol, fellow Democrats voice their concern over Platner’s campaign for Senate in Maine.
Platner claims he was unaware of the symbol’s meaning when he got the Totenkopf tattoo and only learned of its significance after launching his Senate campaign. However, several facts call that claim into question.
Platner attempted to rejoin the Marine Corps in 2009, but was rejected. Reports detailing the rejection suggest it was likely due to the tattoo. Platner attended George Washington University in 2011, and one of his acquaintances recalls at least one occasion where Platner would refer to his tattoo as “my Totenkopf.”
Platner kept an active online presence from 2009 to 2021, resulting in controversial statements that haunt Platner to this day. When his internet commentary resurfaced, Platner’s political director, Genevieve McDonald, resigned and posted the following remarks: “Graham has an antisemitic tattoo on his chest… He’s not an idiot; he’s a military history buff. Maybe he didn’t know it when he got it, but he got it years ago and he should have had it covered up because he knows damn well what it means.”
Democratic Massachusetts Rep. Jake Auchincloss called for Platner to step down immediately after the tattoo was revealed in Oct. 2025, citing, “I find that tattoo and his commentary about it to be personally disqualifying; I hope Maine voters agree with me.” Auchincloss is one of the few Democrats who publicly condemned Platner’s handling of the tattoo. Auchincloss is now accused of supporting Platner’s Republican opposition despite his longstanding history of voting with Democrats.
Jordan Wood, a former chief of staff to California Democratic U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, stated that Platner should withdraw from the race because “Democrats need to be able to condemn Trump’s actions with moral clarity,” and Platner “no longer can.”
Wood condemns Platner’s candidacy and calls for a standard, while many prominent members of the Democratic Party decline to comment. Rep. Auchincloss also cites concern for the integrity of the Democratic Party backing Platner, saying, “I think it would be a mistake for the Democratic Party to think that Graham Platner’s brand of the Democratic Party is what wins us durable majorities throughout this country.”
Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego defended Platner’s past actions, such as public masturbation, stating that they make him more attractive to voters, displaying “the willingness of national Democrats to excuse almost anything as long as the candidate aligns with their political goals.”
When Republican Secretary of War Pete Hegseth was questioned about his Christian tattoos, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth were outspoken about their concerns regarding his competence and ability to make sound decisions. Both women have declined to comment on Platner’s Nazi tattoo.
Big names support Platner, as made clear by the Bernie Sanders rally in Portland. Despite controversy, Platner maintains a favorability lead in Maine for the 2026 senatorial election. (Related: Platner Leads Mills by 35 Points in Maine Senate Primary)
