Maine Senate Candidate Faces Controversy Over Tattoo

Maine Democrat Graham Platner, a newcomer in the Senate race supported by Senator Bernie Sanders, recently revealed he had covered up a tattoo linked to Nazi symbolism after backlash followed the resurfacing of old social media posts. Critics had called for him to withdraw from the race.

The scrutiny intensified once it became known that Platner had a skull and crossbones tattoo reminiscent of the Totenkopf symbol, which was associated with Hitler’s SS. He claimed he got the tattoo on a “drinking night” during a vacation in Croatia back in 2007, and he stated he didn’t realize its historical significance at that time. Later, he chose to cover it with a different tattoo.

In an Instagram video, Platner explained that he selected the design from a wall of flash tattoos while hanging out with fellow Marines in Split, Croatia, thinking it looked “cool.” He expressed his shock upon discovering its hateful implications, stating he has dedicated his life to anti-fascism, anti-racism, and anti-Nazism.

Platner mentioned that he had never faced questions about his tattoos during his military service and successfully passed an Army background check. When asked about why he covered the tattoo instead of opting for removal, he noted that tattoo removal services are not readily available in his rural Maine area, and going to one would be time-consuming. “I wanted to get this out of my body,” he said.

He added a Celtic knot and an image of a dog to the redesigned tattoo as a tribute to his family’s pet, stating that the new design represented him far better than the previous skull and crossbones.

The controversy escalated with the emergence of deleted Reddit posts where Platner appeared to belittle military sexual assault survivors, criticize police, and make racially insensitive comments regarding tips. He later apologized, attributing his online behavior to depression and PTSD stemming from his military experience in Afghanistan. Despite the backlash, he affirmed his intention to remain in the race and received support from Sanders.

Jordan Wood, a former chief of staff to Rep. Katie Porter and Platner’s rival in the Democratic primary, has called for his resignation, arguing that his comments and tattoo disqualify him as a representative of Mainers or Democrats. “At a time when Donald Trump and his sycophants are demonizing Americans, spewing hate, and trashing the Constitution, Democrats need to condemn Trump’s actions with moral clarity. Graham Platner can no longer do that,” Wood stated.

In contrast, Platner views the controversy as a part of his life rather than a disqualification. He mentioned, “I don’t see this as a responsibility. I also look at this as a life that I’ve lived, a journey that’s been difficult and full of struggles, and what has brought me to where I am today. And I’m very proud of who I am.” He suggested that “establishment” forces are behind the backlash, distracting from his campaign’s real issues, like Medicare for All.

Platner is up against Wood and second-term Governor Janet Mills in the Democratic primary. Republican Senator Susan Collins, who has held her position for three decades, has yet to comment on the incident. Neither Sanders nor Collins responded immediately to requests for comment.