Criticism Intensifies Over Senate Candidate’s Past Controversies

A senior House Democrat questions Senate candidate Graham Platner’s claim of ignorance regarding his tattoo’s Nazi origins. Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Ill., expressed his disbelief, stating, “There’s no way he didn’t know what the tattoo was. Own it and move on.” Schneider’s comments highlight growing criticism from high-profile Democrats directed at the Maine Senate hopeful.

Platner’s candidacy has come under scrutiny for several reasons. Allegations have surfaced regarding sexually explicit messages sent to women during his marriage, a history of offensive social media posts, and claims of abuse within past relationships.

Platner is challenging Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, in one of the most contested races of the upcoming midterm elections. Though he is the presumptive Democratic nominee in Maine, internal doubts about his candidacy’s viability persist due to ongoing scandals.

The New York Times reported that several of Platner’s former partners claimed he was aware of his tattoo’s Nazi design.

Lyndsey Fifield, one of Platner’s ex-girlfriends, told the paper that Platner referred to the tattoo as “my Totenkopf.” According to her, Platner joked about its Nazi connections and believed his unit had similarities to the Nazi SS paramilitary forces.

During an appearance on MS NOW with Chris Hayes, Platner denied Fifield’s account but struggled to explain how she knew about the tattoo’s origins before he publicly disclosed it in October 2025.

Fifield also accused Platner of assault, which Platner denies. The tattoo, originally acquired in 2007 while stationed in Croatia, was eventually covered up due to its controversial nature.

Democratic divisions over Platner have emerged, with Schneider acknowledging the difficulty in supporting his candidacy. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass., and Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., have also offered sharp criticisms.

Sen. Fetterman voiced his concerns, telling CNN, “If someone had a clear Nazi tattoo, you could conclude that they’re a Nazi sympathizer. Are you going to continue to defend that?”

Schneider’s New Democrat Coalition, the largest caucus among House Democrats, consists of over 100 members. Fox News Digital reached out to Platner’s campaign for comments prior to publication.