Key facts
- Graham Platner won the Maine Democratic Senate primary.
- Platner secured approximately 72-75% of the vote.
- Platner will face incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November.
- Platner's campaign was marked by allegations of sending sexually explicit texts and past relationship controversies.
- President Trump's endorsed candidate advanced in South Carolina's gubernatorial 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 progressive candidate, secured a significant victory with approximately 72-75% of the vote, despite recent controversies surrounding allegations of sending sexually explicit texts and past relationship issues.
Platner's win is seen as a victory for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party and sets up a potentially contentious and expensive race for control of the Senate. National Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have publicly supported Platner, signaling a unified front despite the earlier concerns about his personal conduct.
In his victory speech, Platner addressed his critics, stating that the campaign was a "movement about us" rather than solely about him. He also sharply criticized Sen. Collins, labeling her "spineless" and accusing her of serving President Trump. The race is framed as a contrast between Platner's populist appeal and Collins' long-standing establishment presence, drawing parallels to the 2016 presidential election.
Meanwhile, in South Carolina, President Trump's influence was evident as his endorsed candidate, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, advanced to a runoff in the gubernatorial primary, while former Trump ally Rep. Nancy Mace faced a setback.