Graham Platner faces assault allegations and Nazi‑tattoo controversy ahead of Maine Senate primary

Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner of Maine is confronting multiple scandals as the June 9 primary approaches. A New York Times report and subsequent accounts allege that Platner was physically aggressive toward former partners, including claims of shoulder grabs, arm twists and forced confinement, which he denies and calls politically motivated.

A separate controversy centers on a skull‑and‑crossbones tattoo that critics say resembles the Nazi Totenkopf symbol. Platner maintains he did not know the design’s historical meaning when he obtained it in 2007, but a former girlfriend, Lyndsey Fifield, asserts he referred to it as “my Totenkopf.” Democratic lawmakers such as Rep. Brad Schneider, who chairs the New Democrat Coalition, and Sen. John Fetterman have publicly questioned Platner’s explanation, urging him to own the issue or step aside. The disputes have sparked internal party unease, with some activists fearing further revelations could damage the campaign.

Despite the allegations, Platner remains the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination and is expected to face Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins in the November general election, a race seen as pivotal for Senate control. Additional scrutiny includes reports of sexting with multiple women and past controversial social‑media posts, though he continues to receive backing from progressive figures like Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren.