DNC Backs Platner Amid Tattoo, Reddit Controversy

Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is facing intensified scrutiny after a video described as “drunken” showed a chest tattoo resembling the Nazi Totenkopf and deleted Reddit posts (2009–2021) containing racist and other offensive language resurfaced. Platner says he got the skull-and-crossbones tattoo in 2007 while on leave from the Marines in Croatia, says he was unaware of its association with the SS, has had it covered, and apologized. The resurfaced posts included derogatory remarks about rural white Americans and police, a comment about Black people not tipping, and an insensitive remark about rape; Platner blamed some comments on PTSD after deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and said he has changed. DNC Chair Ken Martin called the comments “indefensible, hurtful, and offensive” but said they were not disqualifying, and Platner’s political director resigned over the controversy. Platner defended himself at a town hall, blamed political opponents, pledged to continue his campaign, and said an arm tattoo reading “1919” commemorates Appalachian Mountain Club trail‑crew service rather than extremist meaning. The flap complicates a competitive Democratic primary that includes Gov. Janet Mills as Democrats weigh a challenge to long‑serving Republican Sen. Susan Collins in 2026.