Democrats break with scandal-plagued Graham Platner, warn of 'civil war' in party

Maine’s 2026 Senate race enters a storm as Democratic hopeful faces mounting scrutiny

A Democrat who once trailed behind the party’s establishment has been thrust into the national spotlight after a series of revelations about his past behavior. Graham Platner, a former U.S. Representative who entered the Democratic field for Maine’s open Senate seat, has become the focus of an escalating backlash that has drawn criticism from both Republican and Democratic leaders.

Platner’s rise began in the 2024 cycle when the state’s long‑time Democratic governor, Janet Mills, stepped away from the race. With the governor gone, the Democratic establishment in Washington gave the campaign a boost, and Platner quickly vaulted to the front of the ticket. The seat is held by Republican Senator Susan Collins, and Democrats view it as one of the most promising pickup opportunities in the 2026 midterms.

The tattoo controversy

In September 2023, a video of Platner dancing shirtless went viral. A tattoo covering his chest—a skull with a crossbones, a design known as a “totenkopf” or death’s head—was prominently visible. The symbol is widely recognized in Nazi iconography. When questioned, Platner initially said he was unaware of the tattoo’s meaning, but later admitted, “I would not have had it if I had known what it looked like… I am already planning to get this removed.” Republican National Senatorial Committee spokesperson Bernadette Breslin told Fox News Digital that the tattoo “is only the beginning” of the problems the candidate faces.

Reddit posts and other online content

Investigations into Platner’s online presence unearthed a range of posts on Reddit that have added to the controversy. The posts include harassing language aimed at a soldier who was killed by the Taliban and graphic content involving masturbation in portable toilets. The content has drawn sharp rebuke from the National Republican Senatorial Committee and has been cited by Democratic figures who question his fitness for office.

Responses from the Democratic leadership

The backlash has prompted Democrats to reassess their support for Platner. Former New York Mayor Andrew Cuomo’s chief of staff, Melissa DeRosa, told Fox News’ Bret Baier that the candidate’s rapid rise “demonstrates the civil war that’s happening within the Democratic Party.” DeRosa, who identified herself as a moderate, said, “There are a lot of Democrats, moderate Democrats like myself, who will not cry tears should we lose Maine. I mean, that would be a pickup to begin with.”

Senate Democrats, who see Maine as a likely pickup, have been more vocal in their criticism. Representative Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts called the tattoo “personally disqualifying,” adding, “I hope Maine voters agree with me. I think it would be a mistake for the Democratic Party to think that Graham Platner’s brand of the Democratic Party is what wins us durable majorities throughout this country.” Former spokesperson for First Lady Jill Biden, Michael LaRosa, praised Auchincloss for his “actual guts” in calling for a better candidate.

Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, when asked about rising antisemitism in the party, singled out Platner, saying, “I mean, the guy that’s going to win the primary in Maine… has a Nazi tattoo on his chest, and that’s no problem for a lot of voters. So I don’t know why. That’s crazy.”

Party leaders on the sidelines

Despite the growing controversy, some high‑profile Democrats have remained quiet. Senators Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, who have expressed support for Platner in earlier statements, offered no comment when asked by Fox News Digital about their backing of the candidate. The silence has fueled speculation about internal party divisions.

The former Biden press office chief of staff, Yemisi Egbewole, told Bill Melugin of Fox News that “Democrats, particularly those who support Platner, have to answer for his behavior.” She added that the situation highlights the need for “moral clarity” within the party.

National attention and the Time cover

Platner’s profile has risen beyond Maine. Earlier this month, the former congressman appeared on the cover of Time magazine, a move that has drawn both praise for his political acumen and criticism for the controversies that have surfaced. The magazine’s spotlight has amplified scrutiny and forced the Democratic Party to confront the question of whether it can afford to overlook past indiscretions for the sake of electoral advantage.

Looking ahead

The Maine Senate race is now a microcosm of a larger debate within the Democratic Party about identity, image, and electoral strategy. As the 2026 midterms approach, Republicans and Democrats alike are watching to see whether Platner will survive the wave of criticism or whether the party will pivot to a different candidate. For voters, the question remains: can a candidate with a tattoo that echoes Nazi iconography and a history of inflammatory online posts represent the values of the Democratic Party?

The outcome of this race may well set a precedent for how parties handle candidates whose past actions come under renewed public scrutiny. The coming months will be critical for both Platner and the Maine Democratic leadership as they navigate this complex and highly charged political environment.