Van Hollen backs embattled Dem with Nazi-linked tattoo, says ‘second chances’ matter
Senator Chris Van Hollen defended Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner amid controversy over a tattoo linked to Nazi symbolism and past inflammatory online posts, citing Platner's military service and struggles with PTSD as context. Van Hollen emphasized the importance of second chances and expressed confidence in Platner's ability to appeal to a broad coalition in Maine's Senate race. Platner remains the leading Democratic candidate after Governor Janet Mills suspended her campaign.
- ▪Graham Platner, an Army and Marine Corps veteran, is the leading Democratic candidate in Maine's U.S. Senate race after Gov. Janet Mills dropped out.
- ▪Platner has faced scrutiny for a chest tattoo resembling the Nazi-associated Totenkopf symbol, which he has since covered.
- ▪Past online posts by Platner included self-identifying as a 'communist' and calling police officers 'bastards'.
- ▪Senator Chris Van Hollen defended Platner, attributing his past behavior to PTSD from combat deployment in Afghanistan.
- ▪Van Hollen argued that people can learn from their mistakes and deserve second chances, supporting Platner's candidacy.
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Midterm Elections Van Hollen backs embattled Dem with Nazi-linked tattoo, says ‘second chances’ matter Platner's past Reddit posts included calling himself a 'communist' and saying police officers were 'bastards' By Elaine Mallon Fox News Published May 1, 2026 2:32pm EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Major shake-up in Maine Senate Democratic primary Chief congressional correspondent Chad Pergram reports after Gov. Janet Mills drops out of the Maine Senate Democratic primary, leaving controversial candidate Graham Platner as the presumptive nominee. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., pushed back against criticism of U.S.
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