The newly-hired campaign manager for Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner is stepping down, according to two people familiar with his plans, Axios reported on Monday — another sign of mounting turmoil surrounding a campaign already facing heavy criticism.
Platner, who has aligned himself with progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt), has faced backlash after revelations that he once had a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol and posted controversial messages on social media. The scandal has become a growing liability for Democrats hoping to hold ground in a competitive race.
Kevin Brown, a close friend of Platner who began as campaign manager just last week, is leaving the role, the sources said. His exit follows the earlier departure of former political director Genevieve McDonald. Before Brown took over, Daniel Moraff served as the de facto manager, according to McDonald. Moraff denied that he was the official campaign manager, Politico reported.
“Graham is a dear friend,” Brown said. “I started this campaign Tuesday but found out Friday we have a baby on the way. Graham deserves someone who is 100% in on his race and we want to lean into this new experience as a family, so it was best we step back sooner than later so Graham can get the manager he deserves.”
Assuming Brown’s partner is in their first trimester of pregnancy if the news is only a few days old, that would have still left him with over six months in the role – or through the contested June primary.
The staffing shake-up underscores reports of instability within Platner’s campaign. Both conservatives and Platner’s key rival for the nomination, Maine Governor Janet Mills, have seized on the tattoo controversy to question his judgment and fitness for office.
Nationally and at home, Democrats have been facing pressure to defend a candidate under fire in a high-stakes race that could play a key role in determining which party controls the U.S. Senate after the midterms.
