A Democratic congressman has made headlines by refusing to endorse Graham Platner, the leading Senate candidate for his party in Maine. He warns voters to turn away from Platner, citing a tattoo criticized for resembling a Nazi-era symbol.
Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass., shared his thoughts on CNN, declaring that Platner’s tattoo and his responses regarding it are unacceptable. “I’ve been clear about Graham Platner. I find that tattoo and his commentary about it to be personally disqualifying,” Auchincloss stated, highlighting his Jewish background.
He expressed hope that Mainers align with his perspective: “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.”
Platner contends he covered up the tattoo after receiving criticism, claiming he was unaware of its historical implications until they were pointed out. “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. I am already planning to get this removed,” he noted.
Additionally, Platner is facing scrutiny over controversial posts linked to a now-deleted Reddit account, where he labeled himself a “communist” and made negative remarks about police. He later clarified that those posts were intended to provoke reactions and did not represent his genuine views.
The Army veteran and oyster farmer is expected to secure a win in Maine’s Democratic primary on June 9, leading to a crucial general election against incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine. Auchincloss underscored his unwillingness to support someone simply for the sake of party leadership, stating, “values and principles always come before party.”
He reflected on the Republican experience with Donald Trump in 2016, emphasizing the lasting consequences of such strategies. “I will never forget that lesson,” he added.
In an interview with CNN on Monday, Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) says he finds Graham Platner’s tattoo disqualifying and hopes Maine voters agree with him
Auchincloss: “I find that tattoo and his commentary about it to be personally disqualifying. I hope Maine voters agree with… pic.twitter.com/3TUjAEfOMP
— Politics & Poll Tracker 📡 (@PollTracker2024) May 26, 2026
His comments drew immediate backlash from certain Democrats. Saikat Chakrabarti, a candidate for California’s 11th Congressional District and former chief of staff to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, accused Auchincloss of aiding Collins by not supporting Platner. “Jake Auchincloss is essentially endorsing Susan Collins in Maine,” he criticized.
Despite the criticism, Auchincloss maintains his Democratic allegiance, citing his backing of a different Senate candidate, state Rep. James Talarico in Texas, as an ideal example of a nominee. “He’s a fellow majority Democrat, which is a group of elected officials at the vanguard of reinventing this party,” Auchincloss remarked.
With Talarico having won the state’s primary against Rep. Jasmine Crockett, attention now shifts to the upcoming Republican runoff involving Sen. John Cornyn and Ken Paxton, a Trump ally. Auchincloss expressed confidence that Democrats will emerge successful in Texas, indicating his optimism for Talarico’s potential win.
