Criticism Mounts Over Senate Candidate’s Tattoo Controversy

A senior House Democrat has raised concerns regarding Graham Platner’s denial of knowledge about his tattoo’s Nazi origins. Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Ill., voiced skepticism, saying, “There’s no way he didn’t know what the tattoo was. Own it and move on.” Schneider commented on Friday, as reported by Punchbowl News, expressing frustration with Platner’s refusal to address the issue.

Schneider has become one of the prominent Democrats criticizing Platner, a Maine Senate candidate. Platner faces scrutiny not only for the tattoo but also for sending explicit messages while recently married, a history of offensive social media posts, and alleged past abuse in relationships.

Platner, a far-left populist, aims to unseat Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, in a highly contested election race. Though the presumptive nominee for Maine Democrats, some party members question his viability due to ongoing scandals. Schneider’s remarks followed a The New York Times report indicating ex-girlfriends claimed Platner was aware of his tattoo’s Nazi linkage.

Lyndsey Fifield, one of the ex-girlfriends, told The Times Platner described the black skull-and-crossbones tattoo as his “Totenkopf” and joked about its Nazi association. She said Platner drew parallels between his unit and the Nazi SS forces.

Platner denied these claims during an MS NOW interview with Chris Hayes but struggled to explain a text from Fifield to friends acknowledging the tattoo in August 2025. Platner first disclosed the tattoo months later on a podcast episode. “I can’t say why,” Platner responded to Hayes, denying any knowledge through Fifield’s messages.

Fifield also alleged assault during their relationship, accusations Platner refuted. Photographed at a campaign event in Portland, Maine, Graham Platner has since covered up the tattoo after it became an election issue in late 2025. He initially got the tattoo while drinking with Marines in Croatia in 2007.

Amid Democratic disagreements on Platner’s bid, Schneider expressed concern about supporting him as a Maine voter. “I’ll leave it to the people of Maine to elect who they want,” he told Punchbowl News. He seemed relieved not to face the voting decision, stating, “I’m grateful I don’t have to make that choice.”

Other Democrats like Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass., and Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., also criticized Platner’s reactions. Fetterman told CNN, “If someone had a clear Nazi tattoo on them, you probably could conclude that they’re a Nazi sympathizer.” His remarks questioned the defense or dismissal of such symbols.

Schneider chairs the New Democrat Coalition, the largest House Democrat caucus with over 100 members. Fox News Digital sought comments from Platner’s campaign prior to publishing.