Representative Seth Moulton of Massachusetts has thrown his support behind Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner, arguing that Platner's handling of a controversial tattoo linked to Nazi imagery should not derail his campaign. In an interview with CNN Wednesday, Moulton said Platner clearly made an error but demonstrated accountability.
"Graham clearly made a mistake," Moulton said. "What I appreciated about him is he owned that mistake. He took responsibility for it. And I don't think that that's disqualifying."
The tattoo, which Platner said he only realized resembled a Totenkopf — an insignia used by Nazi soldiers under Adolf Hitler — after reporters and Washington insiders pointed it out, has since been covered up. Platner expressed outrage at suggestions he knew the symbol's meaning, stating, "I absolutely would not have gone through life having this on my chest if I knew that — and to insinuate that I did is disgusting."
Moulton's defense comes as Democrats are increasingly divided over Platner's candidacy in a critical Senate race. Platner has emerged as the front-runner after Governor Janet Mills ended her bid last month, setting up a primary on June 9 against incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins. Recent polling shows Platner leading Collins by nine points, a sign of potential vulnerability for the longtime GOP senator.
However, not all Democrats are rallying behind Platner. Representative Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts, who is Jewish, declined to back him, warning that Platner's approach could hurt the party's broader appeal. "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 told CNN earlier this week.
Saikat Chakrabarti, a Democratic candidate for California's 11th House District and former chief of staff for Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, pushed back on Auchincloss's criticism. Writing on X, Chakrabarti argued that internal divisions only benefit Collins and the GOP. "Jake Auchincloss is essentially endorsing Susan Collins in Maine," he wrote. "Absolutely no excuse for a Democrat in the House to back a Republican for Senate in a crucial swing seat."
The controversy underscores broader tensions within the party as it navigates primary battles and general election strategy. With the Maine Senate race shaping up as a key battleground, Platner's ability to unify Democrats while deflecting personal controversies will be tested. The race has also drawn attention to other competitive Senate contests, such as the Texas Senate race where Democrat Talarico raised $3 million in 24 hours, signaling a potential surge for the party.
Platner's lead over Collins, detailed in a recent UNH poll, suggests the controversy may not have eroded his support among Maine voters. Yet, the tattoo issue and the Democratic infighting it has sparked could complicate efforts to unseat a well-funded incumbent. As the primary approaches, all eyes are on Platner to see whether he can maintain momentum and avoid further distractions.
