Anti-Israel Democrat Wins Maine Senate Primary After Nazi-Symbol Tattoo Controversy

Graham Platner, an anti-Israel progressive Democrat, won Maine’s Democratic Senate primary on Tuesday and will face Republican Senator Susan Collins in November, after a campaign marked by accusations of antisemitism and controversy over a Nazi-linked tattoo.

The result gives Democrats a nominee in one of the key Senate races of the midterm elections. Platner’s victory had been expected after Maine Governor Janet Mills suspended her campaign in late April, saying she could no longer afford to continue. Mills remained on the ballot, but major outlets called the race for Platner shortly after polls closed.

“I’m humbled and proud to officially be your Democratic nominee for the US Senate to take on Susan Collins and the billionaire class she represents,” Platner wrote after his victory. “Together, we will win this seat back for working Mainers. Thank you, Maine.”

Top Democrats moved to back him despite the controversies. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Kirsten Gillibrand said after the primary that Maine voters would elect Platner and that Democrats would win a Senate majority.

Platner has supported ending U.S. military aid to Israel and faced accusations of antisemitism over comments about AIPAC-linked donations to Collins. He also drew criticism over a chest tattoo showing a Totenkopf-style skull, a symbol widely associated with the Nazi SS. Platner said he did not know it was a Nazi symbol when he got it, later covered it, and denied being antisemitic. “I am not a secret Nazi,” he said.

Platner also faced allegations of misconduct toward women and criticism over past online comments. Republican Jewish leaders quickly pressed Democrats to distance themselves from him. “Chuck Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in America, and every Senate Democrat propping up Platner’s campaign, should be ashamed,” the Republican Jewish Coalition said, adding that Schumer “must withdraw his support immediately.”