Voters across Maine, South Carolina, North Dakota, and Nevada headed to the polls Tuesday for primary elections that test party loyalty and Trump's political sway in a fractured Republican landscape.
In Maine, a Senate Democratic primary features one of the cycle's most contentious figures: Graham Platner, an oysterman and Marine veteran whose campaign has been battered by a cascade of serious allegations. Accusations range from what insiders describe as toxic behavior toward women to a tattoo identified as a Nazi symbol. The controversies have forced Democrats into uncomfortable conversations about standards, compromise, and whether to abandon a flawed candidate.
The damage accelerated Monday when Genevieve McDonald, a former political director for Platner's campaign, published a blistering column in the Washington Post. "Graham Platner is not someone who would be good for Maine or for the country," McDonald wrote, accusing him of "a pattern of dishonest behavior that is impossible to ignore." She detailed how Platner repeatedly assured voters and party leadership that no additional revelations would surface, only for new allegations to emerge. The most recent accusations involve former girlfriends describing physical mistreatment.
Despite the public rebuke and months of scandal dating back to October, grassroots support for Platner appears resilient among Democratic primary voters. At a Sunday campaign event, a supporter handed him a handwritten card with the message "we've got your back," signaling that at least some Democrats are willing to overlook his troubled background. Polls close in Maine at 8 p.m. ET.
South Carolina Republicans are deciding whether to back incumbent Senator Lindsey Graham or one of his primary challengers. The Trump confidant and regular golfing partner faces Mark Lynch, a Greenville businessman who has continued his bid after other contenders, including Project 2025 architect Paul Dans and former Lieutenant Governor André Bauer, dropped out months ago. Trump has weighed in against Lynch on social media, calling him a "DISASTER for the Republican Party."
The South Carolina gubernatorial race also carries Trump's imprint. He endorsed Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette over multiple opponents, including Congresswoman Nancy Mace. The winner may be determined Tuesday, or if votes splinter, a runoff is scheduled for June 23. South Carolina polls close at 7 p.m. ET.
North Dakota voters are choosing a congressional nominee in what amounts to a partial rematch of the 2024 race. House member Julie Fedorchak will face challengers in a state where Trump dominates Republican politics. Fargo voters will also elect a new mayor, and the ballot includes a proposed state constitutional amendment. Polls close at 9 p.m. ET.
Nevada Democrats see opportunity in a district Republicans have held for years. With longtime Representative Mark Amodei retiring, Democrats believe Trump's slipping popularity and the district's substantial nonpartisan voting bloc could flip the Reno-area seat. Republicans are selecting between Trump-backed David Flippo and former Legislator James Settelmeyer, who has the support of Governor Joe Lombardo. Democrats would prefer to face Flippo, banking on a sharper contrast in a general election. Nevada polls close at 10 p.m. ET.
Author James Rodriguez: "Platner's survival of a relentless scandal cycle suggests Democrats are prioritizing electability over principle, a gamble that could either define their 2026 strategy or blow up spectacularly in the fall."
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