Democrats Disavow Maine Candidate Graham Platner Over Nazi Tattoo and Reddit Posts in 2026 Senate Race
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 27
Democrats Disavow Maine Candidate Graham Platner Over Nazi Tattoo and Reddit Posts in 2026 Senate Race
7 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 27
Top Democrats are now openly breaking with Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, with Rep. Jake Auchincloss calling his tattoo and explanation "personally disqualifying" and Sen. John Fetterman citing him as evidence of antisemitism concerns.
The rupture follows renewed scrutiny of Platner’s chest tattoo resembling a Nazi totenkopf and unearthed Reddit posts, including comments mocking a soldier shot by the Taliban and other inflammatory material.
Platner had become a high-profile insurgent after Maine Gov. Janet Mills stayed out of the race, but his scandals have intensified doubts that he can challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins in one of Democrats’ top 2026 pickup targets.
The backlash is widening a split between moderates and the party’s left flank, with some Democrats warning the Maine contest now reflects a broader internal "civil war" over electability and standards.
When does a controversial past become unforgivable for a public figure seeking high office?
Can a 'redemption arc' truly erase a history of offensive symbols and online posts in politics?