A growing Democratic Party feud spilled into public view this week after Rep. Jake Auchincloss declared that Maine Senate hopeful Graham Platner should be disqualified over a controversy involving a tattoo that resembled a Nazi symbol.
“I’ve been clear about Graham Platner. I find that tattoo and his commentary about it to be personally disqualifying,” Auchincloss said during an appearance on CNN’s The Arena Monday.
“I hope Maine voters agree with me.”
The Massachusetts congressman went further, arguing that Platner does not represent a winning formula for Democrats nationally.
“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 added.
The comments have intensified a bitter debate inside Democratic circles as the party continues to wrestle with questions about its direction following recent electoral setbacks.
Auchincloss, who launched two Majority Democrats PACs last year aimed at boosting centrist-minded Democratic candidates, has increasingly positioned himself as a voice for moderation within the party.
The controversy centers on a tattoo Platner received while traveling in Croatia in 2007.
The oyster farmer and Marine veteran came under scrutiny after reports highlighted a tattoo on his chest that resembled the Nazi SS Totenkopf symbol. Platner has said he received the tattoo while intoxicated and did not understand its significance at the time.
He has since covered the image with new artwork featuring a Celtic knot and dog imagery.
But critics remain unconvinced.
Some skeptics have questioned Platner’s explanation, pointing to his longstanding interest in military history. CNN reporter Andrew Kaczynski has said he spoke with a source who knew Platner more than a decade ago and claimed the candidate discussed the tattoo’s resemblance to a Nazi symbol at the time.
The dispute has become particularly sensitive because Platner is now the presumptive Democratic nominee following Gov. Janet Mills’ decision to exit the race last month ahead of the June 9 primary.
Watch the clip below:
Democrat Rep. Jake Auchincloss says Graham Platner is "disqualifying."
"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." pic.twitter.com/Cdhpnf22uD
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) May 26, 2026
More over at The New York Post:
Mass. Dem rep ripped by left for daring to call pol Graham Platner's Nazi tattoo 'disqualifying' https://t.co/FVlCX9YG6G pic.twitter.com/XQYhJv9ixE
— New York Post (@nypost) May 26, 2026
