Ronald Holmes, national finance director for Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, resigned Friday after saying his professional standards no longer aligned with the campaign — the third senior departure amid scrutiny of Platner’s past posts and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol. The campaign stressed its reliance on small-dollar fundraising despite the shake-up.
Ronald Holmes announced on October 31 that he resigned as Graham Platner’s national finance director, writing on LinkedIn that he joined to “build…a campaign of fresh energy, integrity, and reform-minded thinking,” but “somewhere along the way” felt his professional standards “no longer fully aligned” with the operation. He had served in the role since August. Politico first reported the resignation and quotes; The Daily Wire also noted his LinkedIn post. According to Politico, Holmes previously worked for Michigan gubernatorial candidate Chris Swanson and Rep. Josh Riley. (politico.com)
Holmes’ exit follows two others. Kevin Brown, who had just become campaign manager, stepped down after less than a week, citing the impending birth of a child and calling Platner “a dear friend,” according to a WGME report. Political director Genevieve McDonald resigned earlier in October after resurfaced Reddit posts and controversy over Platner’s chest tattoo; in a Facebook post quoted by The Daily Wire, she criticized his handling of the tattoo, which he has since covered. (weartv.com)
Platner, a 41-year-old Marine veteran and oyster farmer, has apologized for offensive past posts and for the tattoo, which resembles the SS Totenkopf. He told Pod Save America, “I am not a secret Nazi… I would say, lifelong opponent,” and later said he had the tattoo covered. Those comments and the cover-up were reported by major outlets. (washingtonpost.com)
Despite the turmoil, the campaign points to strong early fundraising. Axios reported Platner raised about $3.2 million in roughly his first six weeks; Roll Call likewise noted $3.2 million through Sept. 30. A campaign spokesperson said nearly 90 percent of money raised came from small-dollar and online donors, a point echoed in coverage of Holmes’ departure. (axios.com)
Platner is continuing to campaign. He drew a large crowd at an October 22 town hall in Ogunquit, and the campaign this week launched an ad urging voters to reject a voter-identification ballot measure on Maine’s November ballot, according to Politico and AP/Washington Post reporting. The measure would require photo ID and make additional changes to absentee voting, Maine Public has reported. (washingtonpost.com)
In an October 25 post on X, Platner wrote that a “DC smear campaign” wasn’t working and cited a poll showing him ahead of Gov. Janet Mills in the Democratic primary, The Daily Wire reported. Separate mainstream coverage has noted Mills’ entry into the race and the party establishment’s backing. (dailywire.com)
Platner has been endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, who has continued to back him amid the controversies. (politico.com)