Overview
- A University of New Hampshire poll conducted Oct. 16–21 shows Graham Platner leading Gov. Janet Mills 58% to 24% among likely Democratic primary voters, with the survey mostly preceding the tattoo fallout.
- Platner apologized for past Reddit posts that included homophobic and ableist slurs and anti-police remarks, and he said he has covered a chest tattoo that resembled the Nazi Totenkopf after learning its association.
- Bernie Sanders is standing by his endorsement of Platner, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is backing Mills as most Senate Democrats avoid calling Platner’s controversies disqualifying.
- Platner’s campaign moved to tighten operations by hiring veteran operative Kevin Brown, bringing in a compliance firm, and offering severance agreements that a former political director said included a $15,000 NDA, which the campaign describes as standard.
- Democratic rival Daira Smith-Rodriguez exited the race and endorsed Mills, citing Platner’s past comments about sexual assault in the military as unacceptable.