Anti-Israel Democrat Wins Maine Senate Primary Despite 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, but it also places national party leaders behind a candidate whose comments on Israel, AIPAC and past conduct have drawn sharp criticism from Jewish Republicans and pro-Israel voices.

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 and still drew a share of the vote, according to early tallies, but major outlets called the race for Platner shortly after polls closed.

Platner will now face Collins, a long-serving Republican senator who has received support from pro-Israel donors. Democrats are targeting the seat as part of their effort to retake the Senate majority.

“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 support 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 drawn attention from Jewish and Israeli media because of his positions on Israel. He has supported ending U.S. military aid to Israel and faced accusations of antisemitism over his comments about AIPAC-linked donations to Collins. The pro-Israel lobby has been a major issue in Democratic politics, as anti-Israel progressives increasingly challenge the party’s traditional support for Israel.

The most visible controversy involved a tattoo on Platner’s chest showing a Totenkopf-style skull, a symbol widely associated with the Nazi SS. Platner had the tattoo for nearly two decades and said he did not know it was a Nazi symbol when he got it. He later had it covered and denied being antisemitic.

“I am not a secret Nazi,” he said in response to the criticism.

Platner also faced allegations of misconduct toward women and criticism over past online comments. He said he had been a “far from perfect boyfriend” during parts of his life but denied misconduct. Ynet also reported earlier that Platner had made additional controversial remarks online, including alleged praise, from a military standpoint, for a Hamas attack in which IDF soldiers were killed.

Republican Jewish leaders quickly pressed Democrats to distance themselves from him after the primary result.

“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 in a statement after polls closed. “Their continued support of Graham Platner, who wore the symbol of Hitler’s SS on his chest for 18 years is an outrage. Schumer must withdraw his support immediately.”

The latest polls suggest Platner enters the general election with an advantage over Collins, though the race is expected to remain highly competitive. The November race is now expected to become a test not only of Collins’ hold on a competitive Senate seat, but also of how far national Democrats are willing to go in backing candidates whose positions on Israel and record on antisemitism have become central campaign issues.