Key facts
- Graham Platner won the Maine Democratic Senate primary with 72% of the vote.
- Platner will face Republican incumbent Susan Collins in the general election.
- Nancy Mace lost her South Carolina primary after pushing for the release of Epstein files.
- Lindsey Graham secured renomination to the Senate in South Carolina with Trump's backing.
- Donald Trump's preferred candidate for South Carolina governor, Pamela Evette, faces a runoff.
- Aaron Ford won the Democratic nomination for Nevada governor.
Primary elections held across four states on Tuesday offered insights into the political landscape ahead of the November midterms, with Democrats rallying around a controversial nominee in Maine and Donald Trump's influence on the Republican party being tested.
In Maine, Graham Platner secured the Democratic nomination for the Senate race with 72% of the vote, overcoming past controversies including incendiary Reddit posts and sexually explicit messages. Platner, a Marine veteran and oyster farmer, apologized for his past conduct, linking some struggles to PTSD. He will face Republican incumbent Susan Collins in a race seen as crucial for Senate control.
Democratic leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, voiced support for Platner, highlighting the party's willingness to rally behind nominees despite personal baggage, a shift from their stance during the #MeToo movement. Platner criticized Collins for her voting record and past promises.
In South Carolina, Donald Trump's endorsement played a significant role. His ally Lindsey Graham easily won his Senate primary. However, Trump's preferred candidate for governor, Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, failed to secure an outright majority and will face Attorney General Alan Wilson in a runoff.
Congresswoman Nancy Mace, who had pushed for the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, lost her primary, a result she attributed to her stance on the issue. Longtime Congressman James Clyburn also easily won his primary.
In Nevada, Democrats nominated state Attorney General Aaron Ford for governor, setting up a competitive race against Republican Governor Joe Lombardo. Ford focused on economic issues, linking Lombardo to Trump and criticizing the state's economic condition.