Platner, an oyster farmer and military veteran, is the presumptive Democratic nominee after Governor Janet Mills dropped out. He is running against incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins, whose seat is crucial for Democratic control of the Senate. Platner has made controversial statements, including suggesting he would be 'arrested' as a senator if Democrats fail to take the Senate, and calling for subpoenas of the Trump administration and impeachment of two Supreme Court justices.
He also made offensive Reddit posts, which he apologized for, citing PTSD. According to Daily Mail - News, Platner described the tattoo as a 'skull-and-crossbones' and said he got it while drunk in Croatia in 2007, unaware of its meaning. An unidentified former acquaintance told Daily Mail - News that Platner called it a 'Totenkopf' in 2012.
He said 'Oh, this is my Totenkopf'. He said it in a cutesy little way.
Platner has since covered the tattoo. His campaign has faced other controversies, including a former political director resigning after his Reddit comments surfaced. Platner is currently polling first among Democratic candidates in Maine.