Washington, DC (June 4, 2026)

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is continuing to support Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner despite mounting controversy over Platner’s past conduct, online comments, and use of imagery associated with Nazi Germany.

Platner, an oyster farmer and Marine veteran seeking to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins, has faced criticism over a chest tattoo resembling the Totenkopf, a skull symbol historically associated with Nazi SS units. Platner has said he did not understand the symbol’s connection when he got the tattoo and later had it covered after entering the Senate race.

The controversy has been especially sensitive among Jewish Democrats and pro-Israel groups because of Platner’s past comments about Israel and the Gaza war. A deleted 2014 online post surfaced in which he analyzed a Hamas attack on Israeli soldiers in language critics viewed as overly approving. Platner has also called for cutting U.S. aid to Israel and has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.

Schumer, who has long emphasized his support for Israel and Jewish communities, was pressed this week about whether he remained comfortable backing Platner. Rather than directly addressing the specific controversies, Schumer focused on Democrats’ goal of defeating Collins and regaining control of the Senate.

Several Jewish Democratic groups have distanced themselves from Platner’s campaign, while others in the party continue to view the Maine race as one of the most important Senate contests of the cycle. The split reflects a broader Democratic tension between progressive candidates critical of Israel and Jewish organizations concerned about antisemitism and anti-Israel rhetoric.

Platner has acknowledged making offensive online remarks in the past and has described some of his earlier language as unacceptable. He has also attributed parts of his past conduct to struggles following military service, while denying that he holds antisemitic views.

The scrutiny has intensified as the Maine primary approaches, with new personal allegations further complicating his campaign. For Democrats, the race presents both a major pickup opportunity and a growing political challenge as party leaders weigh electability, accountability, and concerns from Jewish voters.