Key facts
- Graham Platner won the Maine Democratic Senate primary with approximately 72% of the vote.
- Platner will challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in the November election.
- Platner addressed past controversies including sexually explicit texts and a Nazi-associated tattoo.
- President Trump's endorsements influenced outcomes in South Carolina primaries.
- Trump-backed Pamela Evette advanced in the South Carolina gubernatorial primary.
- Representative Nancy Mace was defeated in the South Carolina primary.
Graham Platner has won the Maine Democratic Senate primary, securing the nomination to challenge incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November's general election. Platner, a former combat Marine, garnered approximately 72% of the vote, overcoming controversies including allegations of sending sexually explicit texts and having a Nazi-associated tattoo, for which he has apologized.
Democrats, including Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Kirsten Gillibrand, expressed confidence in Platner's ability to win the general election. Platner himself criticized Senator Collins as "spineless" and accused her of serving President Trump.
In South Carolina, President Trump's influence was evident. His endorsement helped Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette advance in the gubernatorial primary, while U.S. Representative Nancy Mace failed to make the top two. Senator Lindsey Graham also avoided a runoff in his primary.
Republicans are also targeting a House seat in Maine, where former Governor Paul LePage ran unopposed in his primary, with Trump's endorsement.