A high-profile rift within the Democratic party widened on Monday when Massachusetts Representative Jake Auchincloss publicly reiterated his stance against Graham Platner, the party’s presumptive U.S. Senate nominee in Maine. Speaking on CNN, Auchincloss called Platner’s past Nazi tattoo scandal and subsequent explanations “personally disqualifying” for public office.
The controversy centers on reports revealing that Platner previously had an SS “Totenkopf”—a notorious Nazi skull symbol—tattooed on his chest. Platner, a Marine veteran, has since had the ink covered. He has repeatedly denied any allegiance to extremist ideologies, stating he received the tattoo alongside fellow Marines during a 2007 trip to Croatia and did not understand its historical meaning at the time.
Auchincloss was among the earliest elected Democrats to demand that Platner drop out of the race against long-serving incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins. His latest remarks highlight a stark division among New England Democrats, as other major figures in the party have recently backed Platner’s campaign.
READ: Pennsylvania Sen. Fetterman Torches Philly DA’s ‘Gross’ Nazi Comparison After Threat To Hunt ICE
Notably, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren and other prominent party members have rallied behind the Maine candidate following the withdrawal of Maine Governor Janet Mills from the Senate race.
The issue resurfaced during an interview on CNN’s The Arena, where guest anchor Boris Sanchez shifted a conversation about the Texas Senate race to the upcoming November midterms in Maine.
“So, no weighing in on Graham Platner?” Sanchez asked.
Auchincloss responded directly, cementing his opposition to the candidate. “I’ve been clear about Graham Platner,” Auchincloss said. “I find that tattoo and his commentary about it to be personally disqualifying. I hope Maine voters agree with me.”
He further cautioned national Democrats against embracing Platner’s candidacy as a blueprint for future elections. “I think it would be a mistake for the Democratic Party to think that Graham Platner’s brand of the Democratic Party is what wins us durable majorities throughout this country,” Auchincloss added.
The anchor concluded the segment by noting the severity of the internal party fracture, replying, “Wow,” before wrapping up the interview. Platner’s campaign has not issued a new statement in response to the congressman’s latest remarks.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
