From Military Tattoo Controversy to Senate Hopeful: Graham Platner’s Rocky Political Debut

In the challenging landscape of Maine politics, Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner faces an unexpected battle that has nothing to do with policy positions. The Bernie Sanders-backed political newcomer has become embroiled in controversy over a tattoo he received during his Marine Corps service, one that bears resemblance to the Totenkopf skull-and-crossbones symbol used by Hitler’s SS forces. Platner’s explanation is straightforward: he got the tattoo in 2007 during a night of drinking while on military leave in Croatia, selecting the design from a flash tattoo wall because “we thought it looked cool.” He insists he had no knowledge of its historical significance at the time and has since covered the image with a Celtic knot and dog imagery to honor his pets. “I’ve lived a life dedicated to anti-fascism, anti-racism, and anti-Nazism,” Platner stated in an Instagram video addressing the controversy, expressing his shock upon learning the symbol’s associations. His decision to cover rather than remove the tattoo came down to practicality, he claims, citing limited access to tattoo removal services in rural Maine.

The tattoo controversy emerges against a backdrop of other troubling revelations from Platner’s past. Critics have unearthed deleted Reddit posts in which he allegedly mocked military sexual assault victims, criticized police, and made racially-charged comments about tipping practices. Platner has apologized for these posts, attributing them to depression and PTSD following his service in Afghanistan. Despite these mounting issues, Platner remains defiant about staying in the race, with continued support from Senator Bernie Sanders. “Every second we spend talking about a tattoo I got in the Marine Corps is a second we don’t talk about Medicare for All,” he argued in his video statement, suggesting the controversy is being amplified by “establishment” forces to derail his campaign.

Platner’s Democratic primary rival, Jordan Wood, sees the situation differently. The former chief of staff to Representative Katie Porter has called for Platner to withdraw from the race, stating that “Graham Platner’s Reddit comments and Nazi SS Totenkopf tattoo are disqualifying and not who we are as Mainers or as Democrats.” Wood emphasized that in an era when “Donald Trump and his sycophants” are “demonizing Americans” and “spewing hate,” Democrats need candidates who can “condemn Trump’s actions with moral clarity”—something Wood believes Platner can no longer do. The criticism highlights the challenging political dynamics at play, as Democrats seek to maintain ethical standards while also fielding competitive candidates against Republican incumbents like Senator Susan Collins, who has held her seat for three decades.

For his part, Platner frames these controversies not as liabilities but as part of his authentic life journey. “I look at this as a life that I have lived, a journey that has been difficult, that has been full of struggle, that has also gotten me to where I am today,” he told the Associated Press. “And I’m very proud of who I am.” This perspective represents Platner’s attempt to transform potential political weaknesses into strengths—positioning himself as someone who has faced challenges, made mistakes, grown from them, and can now better understand the struggles of ordinary voters. His military background, including service in Afghanistan, remains central to his identity and campaign narrative, even as specific aspects of that service have become sources of controversy.

The Platner controversy touches on broader questions about candidate vetting, personal growth, and accountability in American politics. His case raises important considerations about how voters should weigh past mistakes against current positions, especially when those mistakes involve symbols or statements associated with hate. Democratic primary voters in Maine will ultimately decide whether Platner’s explanations and apologies are sufficient, or if his past actions disqualify him from representing the party. The race has significant implications, as Democrats hope to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins, who has yet to comment on the controversy. Platner’s fate may signal how much leeway voters are willing to give candidates with complicated pasts in an increasingly polarized political environment.

In a crowded Democratic primary that also includes two-term Governor Janet Mills, Platner’s controversial tattoo and deleted social media posts have certainly complicated what was already an uphill battle against established political figures. His continued candidacy, despite calls to step aside, demonstrates either admirable resilience or concerning stubbornness, depending on one’s perspective. As primary day approaches, Maine voters will need to determine whether Platner’s explanation that he got a Nazi-associated symbol tattooed on his body without understanding its significance reflects an honest mistake by a young Marine, or a troubling lack of judgment that might forecast future problems. The controversy serves as a reminder that in the digital age, a candidate’s entire history—physical markings included—becomes fair game for public scrutiny, sometimes overshadowing policy positions and current values in the process.