Sen. Van Hollen Supports Democrat with Nazi-Linked Tattoo, Emphasizes Importance of ‘Second Chances’

In a dramatic shift for Maine’s Senate race, Governor Janet Mills has suspended her campaign, leaving controversial Army and Marine Corps veteran Graham Platner as the leading Democratic candidate to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins.

Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland has come to Platner’s defense amid growing criticism over the candidate’s past, including what has been described as a “Nazi tattoo” and inflammatory online comments. Speaking with Punchbowl News, Van Hollen suggested Platner’s controversial behavior could be linked to PTSD from his military service in Afghanistan.

“He’s been very clear that he went into combat on behalf of the United States. He went through a really rough period, a PTSD-type period,” Van Hollen said. “I do believe people should have second chances and that people can learn from their mistakes, and I think he’s been doing that.”

Despite the controversies, Van Hollen expressed confidence that Platner “can beat Susan Collins” by appealing to a broad coalition of voters, particularly blue-collar workers, labor groups, and Native American tribes.

The controversy surrounding Platner centers on a chest tattoo resembling the Totenkopf, a skull-and-crossbones symbol associated with Nazi police units. Platner told reporters in October that the tattoo had been covered up. His past also includes Reddit posts in which he identified as a “communist,” made derogatory comments about rural white Americans, and called police officers “bastards.” When confronted about these comments, Platner claimed he was simply trying “to get a rise out of people.”

The Maine Senate race has taken on national significance as Democrats seek to maintain or expand their narrow majority in the Senate. Collins, a moderate Republican who has represented Maine since 1997, has previously shown resilience in a state that often leans Democratic in presidential elections.

Political analysts note that Platner’s candidacy represents a leftward shift in the Democratic primary field. He has received the endorsement of Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and advocates for progressive policies like “Medicare-for-all” and greater economic equality.

Mills’ decision to suspend her campaign comes as a significant development in the race. As the state’s governor, she was seen by many as a formidable challenger to Collins, with established name recognition and a track record of winning statewide elections.

Republican strategists are likely to focus on Platner’s controversial past in the general election campaign. GOP-aligned groups have already begun targeting Platner, with billboards emerging that characterize him as having socialist leanings.

The controversy raises questions about the vetting process for Democratic candidates in key races and highlights the challenges parties face when candidates with complicated personal histories emerge in important electoral contests.

For Maine voters, the race now presents a stark contrast between Collins’ moderate Republicanism and Platner’s progressive Democratic platform. Whether Platner can overcome his controversial past to mount a serious challenge to Collins remains one of the most intriguing questions of this electoral cycle.

The Maine Senate race will be closely watched nationally, as control of the Senate could hinge on just a few contested seats across the country. Collins has previously survived strong challenges from Democrats, but changing national politics and Maine’s shifting electoral landscape could make this contest particularly competitive despite Platner’s controversies.