Overview
- Graham Platner remains the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine and has publicly accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of war crimes, a charge reported by multiple outlets.
- Platner’s campaign has centered on aggressive criticism of Israel and attacks on the pro‑Israel lobby AIPAC, and he has previously described Israeli operations in Gaza as genocide.
- Reporting has renewed focus on his long‑criticized Totenkopf Nazi skull tattoo, which Platner says he got when young and later covered, along with earlier revelations of offensive posts, verified sexting, and allegations from former partners.
- Republicans and groups aligned with Senator Susan Collins have increased ad buys and negative messaging, while national Democrats are divided between defending a likely pickup and raising concerns about conduct and electability.
- The contest has national implications because the seat was viewed as a Democratic pickup; party operatives now face a concrete choice before July 13 that could shape control of the Senate and the party’s stance on candidate standards and foreign policy.