Platner Leads Maine Democratic Primary

A Democratic candidate running in Maine's Senate primary is facing renewed scrutiny over a tattoo he once had that featured Nazi-linked imagery. Representative Brad Schneider said there is "no way" the candidate was unaware that the tattoo was linked to Nazi symbolism.

" He said he would not support the candidacy.

The candidate has stated he did not realize the tattoo's historical associations at the time and later covered it. Recent reporting has challenged that account. A New York Times report cited several former partners who alleged the candidate knew about the tattoo's Nazi links and referred to it as "my Totenkopf," a claim he has denied.

The tattoo issue is one of several controversies that have drawn attention to the campaign. Reports have highlighted allegations that the candidate sent sexually explicit messages to various women during his marriage, as well as a history of controversial social media posts.

A New York Times report quoted Lyndsey Fifield, a conservative activist and former girlfriend of the candidate, who described aspects of his past behavior as volatile and inappropriate. The candidate has disputed those allegations.

Fetterman has also criticized the candidate over the tattoo controversy. Some lawmakers have warned that the issue risks overshadowing policy debates in a high-stakes campaign. The candidate is widely expected to win Maine's Democratic primary on June 9.

m. on July 13, after which the state Democratic Party would have until July 27 to name a replacement.

“There is no way he was unaware that a tattoo he once had was linked to Nazi symbolism.”