Top Democratic officials and lawmakers are distancing themselves from Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner as a series of scandals continue to mount against him, with some party members warning of internal conflict between moderate and progressive wings.
Platner's candidacy represents an unexpected challenge to Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, in what Democrats have identified as one of their most viable pickup opportunities in the 2026 midterm cycle. The candidate has built a national profile that reached new heights earlier this month when he appeared on the cover of Time magazine.
However, scrutiny over Platner's background has intensified following revelations about his online history and a visible tattoo on his chest featuring imagery associated with Nazi iconography known as a totenkopf, or death's head. When pressed on the tattoo, Platner said he was unaware of its significance when he got it.
What the Left Is Saying
Melissa DeRosa, former chief of staff to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, told Fox News that Platner's candidacy reflects broader tensions within the Democratic Party between moderates and progressives.
"The main race really demonstrates the civil war that's happening within the Democratic Party," DeRosa said. "There are a lot of Democrats, moderate Democrats like myself, who will not cry tears should we lose Maine." She noted that gaining the seat would represent a pickup for Democrats regardless.
Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass., was more direct in his criticism, telling CNN that Platner's tattoo and explanation were disqualifying.
"I find that tattoo and his commentary about it to be personally disqualifying," Auchincloss said. "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."
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., acknowledged concerns about antisemitism within the party when asked by CNN, citing Platner as an example.
"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," Fetterman said. "So I don't know why. That's crazy."
Former Biden administration official Yemisi Egbewole told Fox News that Democrats supporting Platner must answer for his behavior.
"I think when we're talking about moral clarity and what we want to see from Democrats, I think he is an issue," Egbewole said.
What the Right Is Saying
The National Republican Senatorial Committee has seized on Democratic divisions surrounding Platner's candidacy. NRSC spokesperson Bernadette Breslin provided a statement to Fox News Digital.
"Democrats' shift from quietly distancing themselves from Platner to openly disavowing him proves his baggage is catching up with him, and Maine voters won't excuse it," Breslin said. "Platner's deviant, scandal-plagued history is only the beginning of the problems he has ahead."
The controversy comes as Republicans attempt to frame internal Democratic discord over candidate quality as a broader party crisis heading into the 2026 midterms.
What the Numbers Show
Senate Democrats have identified Maine as one of their top targets in efforts to regain control of the upper chamber. The seat is currently held by Sen. Collins, who has served in the Senate since 1997.
Platner's national profile grew significantly after he landed on the cover of Time magazine earlier this month, despite not being the candidate preferred by party leadership in Washington.
Top Democratic senators, including Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., declined to offer explicit endorsements when recently pressed by Fox News Digital on their support for Platner. A spokesperson for Warren told the outlet she was "not following that race closely."
The Bottom Line
Platner's candidacy has exposed fault lines within the Democratic Party as it prepares for competitive 2026 Senate races. While Maine represents a potential pickup opportunity, his controversial background has complicated what Democrats hoped would be a straightforward challenge to Collins.
The situation will likely remain fluid as more party leaders weigh in and voters in Maine prepare to make their primary selections. Republicans have signaled they intend to make Platner's history a central theme of the general election campaign should he secure the Democratic nomination.