Democrat Rep. Critiques Maine Senate Candidate’s Controversial Tattoos
Democratic Representative Jake Auchincloss from Massachusetts has openly criticized Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner regarding tattoos linked to Nazi themes. In a recent interview with CNN, Auchincloss expressed his strong disapproval, saying, “I personally think that tattoo and his comments about it are disqualifying. I hope Maine voters agree with me.”
He added, “It’s a mistake for Democrats to assume that Platner’s brand will secure a lasting majority for us nationwide.”
Platner, who is vying for the Democratic nomination in a competitive U.S. Senate race, has faced intense scrutiny over a chest tattoo that has been part of his identity for many years.
This former military member got the tattoo during a drunken night while stationed in Croatia back in 2007. Earlier this year, he attempted to cover it up after facing backlash for its connections to Nazi symbolism and making offensive comments on Reddit over nearly a decade. He has claimed ignorance regarding the tattoo’s meaning, which resembles the infamous Nazi “Totenkopf” design, but several reports indicate he was aware of its association with the Nazi SS.
Auchincloss, who is Jewish and represents a district in the Boston area, is one of the few Democrats to denounce Platner’s tattoos and controversial remarks. He has been the first Democratic senator to demand Platner’s exit from the October 2025 race following the emergence of this controversy. Despite this, many in the party have refrained from speaking out against him, possibly due to the candidate’s expected matchup against the relatively weaker Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who had backed Maine Governor Janet Mills in her primary campaign, has since shown support for Platner after Mills suspended her bid. Notably, prominent progressives like Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have also rallied behind him, with Warren calling Platner a “kind person” despite the surrounding controversies. Auchincloss has made clear on social media that he does not back Collins’ campaign.
As the situation develops, no comment has been received from Platner’s campaign regarding the ongoing discussions.
