Nazi Tattoo and Hamas Support: Democratic Candidate Wins Maine Primary

A Democratic candidate won the Senate primary in Maine despite a dark past that includes Nazi symbols and harsh statements against Israel. He now becomes the party’s nominee in the decisive battle for control of the U.S. Senate.

Graham Platner, a 41-year-old Army veteran who has never held public office, won about 72% of the vote despite a series of scandals that exposed troubling parts of his past.

At the center of the controversy is the revelation of a tattoo on his body identified as a clear Nazi symbol. Platner said in his defense that he got the tattoo without understanding its meaning and later covered it up, but the disclosure sparked widespread anger.

In addition, old social media posts surfaced in which he used offensive language. More serious for the Jewish community and supporters of Israel, Platner spoke in extreme terms against the war in Gaza, called it a "genocide," and even praised the Hamas terror organization.

Despite these views and his past conduct, which also included alcoholism, he received broad backing from the party’s progressive wing, led by Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren.

He is now expected to face incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in the November general election. The Maine race is considered critical for Democrats, who hope to win control of the Senate, but the selection of a candidate with such a problematic past is causing serious concern among moderate party figures.