Graham Platner, a Democratic Senate candidate in Maine, is under fire for amplifying a post from a neo-Nazi influencer, marking the third controversy involving Nazi or antisemitic associations in his primary campaign. The 41-year-old veteran deleted the post after backlash, with his campaign calling it an error. This incident adds to prior scrutiny over an interview with a conspiracy theorist and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol.
Graham Platner, seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge incumbent Senator Susan Collins in Maine, encountered backlash this week for sharing a social media post from Stew Peters, described as a neo-Nazi influencer known for Holocaust denial and antisemitic rhetoric. The post discussed a potential war with Iran. Platner's campaign stated the share was "in error" and removed it promptly upon realizing it promoted a "despicable account."
This episode follows an appearance in late January on the YouTube show Valhalla VFT, hosted by Nate Cornacchia, a retired Green Beret. Cornacchia has promoted theories alleging Israeli involvement in assassinations, including claims linking Israel to the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and suggesting President John F. Kennedy's killing involved the CIA and Mossad. He has also claimed the global war on terror occurred at the "behest of Israel." During the hour-long interview, Platner called himself a "longtime fan" of the show and described appearing on it as "an absolute pleasure." Platner's campaign did not respond to inquiries about Cornacchia's statements.
Earlier scrutiny arose from a tattoo on Platner's chest resembling the Totenkopf, a skull-and-crossbones symbol used by a Nazi SS unit. Platner, a Marine Corps veteran, said he got the tattoo during a drunken night in Croatia and was unaware of its historical significance at the time. The Associated Press reported that he covered the tattoo after public comparisons surfaced, stating he did not want a symbol associated with hate on his body.
Maine Governor Janet Mills, Platner's primary opponent, commented on X: "For what it’s worth... I don’t have any tattoos."
Platner has previously posted about U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East being influenced by "foreign influence" and called for a "fundamental rethinking" of Washington's alliances. Critics note that such language echoes themes in spaces promoting antisemitic conspiracies.
A National Republican Senatorial Committee spokesperson said Democrats are "flirting with extremism" in this race, which they see as pivotal for Senate control. Allies of Collins have shared screenshots of Platner's deleted posts, questioning his judgment.
Democrats consider Collins's seat a prime target in a closely watched primary.
