Key facts
- Primary elections are taking place Tuesday in Maine, South Carolina, Nevada, and North Dakota.
- Maine's Democratic Senate candidate, Graham Platner, is facing questions about alleged sexting.
- South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace is seeking the Republican nomination for governor.
- President Trump has endorsed candidates in several key races, including South Carolina's gubernatorial primary.
- The outcome of these primaries could influence control of the U.S. House and Senate.
Primary elections on Tuesday in Maine, South Carolina, Nevada, and North Dakota feature storylines involving personal conduct and presidential influence. In Maine's Democratic U.S. Senate primary, newcomer Graham Platner is battling questions about his past sexting behavior, despite his campaign's momentum and significant funding. Platner has apologized, citing struggles with PTSD and depression.
Meanwhile, in South Carolina, Republican Representative Nancy Mace faces a challenge in her bid for governor, potentially becoming another casualty of President Donald Trump's efforts to unseat Republican officeholders. Trump has endorsed Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, who is running on an "America First" platform. The outcome of this race could determine the Republican nominee in a state that has not elected a Democratic governor in nearly three decades.
In Maine, the race for the seat vacated by retiring moderate Democrat Jared Golden is also a focus. Former Republican Governor Paul LePage, who has received Trump's "complete and total endorsement," is running for the district that Trump won in 2024. Three Democrats are vying for their party's nomination in this race, which could impact the Republican's narrow U.S. House majority.
Democrats are also focused on Nevada's 3rd congressional district, a Las Vegas-area seat held by Democrat Susie Lee. Lee is seeking renomination against James Lally, a self-funded candidate. The Republican primary features Marty O'Donnell, endorsed by Trump, alongside neurosurgeon Aury Nagy, former Ambassador Jeff Gunter, and businesswoman Tera Anderson.