Graham Platner’s Democratic campaign for U.S. Senate in Maine has logged another high-level exit: campaign treasurer Victoria Perrone resigned on Oct. 28, according to the Daily Wire, which cited the Judge Street Journal. Federal records now list Ben Martello as treasurer, per that reporting, adding to recent resignations amid scrutiny of Platner’s past online posts and a tattoo resembling a Nazi-era symbol.
Graham Platner’s bid to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins faced fresh turnover last week as treasurer Victoria Perrone stepped down on Tuesday, Oct. 28, according to the Daily Wire, which cited the Judge Street Journal and said Federal Election Commission records now list Ben Martello as treasurer. We have not independently viewed the underlying FEC filing. (dailywire.com)
The treasurer change follows the Oct. 31 departure of national finance director Ronald Holmes III, who announced on LinkedIn that his “professional standards … no longer fully aligned with those of the campaign.” Local outlet WMTW published the statement and reported the campaign argued nearly 90% of its fundraising has come from small-dollar, online donors handled by its digital director. Politico also confirmed Holmes’ resignation. (wmtw.com)
Earlier in the week, newly hired campaign manager Kevin Brown left the operation just days after starting, citing family reasons after learning he and his wife are expecting a child, WMTW and Politico reported. (wmtw.com)
The staff churn began after former political director Genevieve McDonald resigned on Oct. 17, initially over resurfaced, deleted Reddit posts by Platner. She later criticized a chest tattoo that resembles the Nazi Totenkopf symbol, writing on Facebook that Platner should have covered it long ago; her comments were reported by major outlets including the Washington Post and Politico. (wmtw.com)
Platner, a Marine and Army veteran, has said he got the skull-and-crossbones tattoo in 2007 while drinking on shore leave and did not recognize its Nazi association until recently. He told reporters he has now covered the tattoo with another design, the Associated Press reported. (nbcnewyork.com)
Despite the controversies, Platner remains in a competitive Democratic primary that now includes Gov. Janet Mills, who entered the 2026 Senate race on Oct. 14, according to Reuters. The winner will face Collins next November. (reuters.com)
