Four US States Hold Midterm Primaries; Maine Race Heats Up
Joseph Stepansky
On June 10, four US states held midterm primaries, with Maine’s Senate race drawing special attention as Democrats seek to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins. The primaries will shape the November elections, which determine control of Congress.
Four US states—Maine, Nevada, South Carolina, and North Dakota—held primaries on June 10 to select Democratic and Republican candidates for the upcoming November midterm elections.
These midterms will determine control of Congress. Republicans currently hold slim majorities in both the Senate and the House, but Democrats hope to regain control, viewed as a strong rebuke to President Donald Trump.
Among the four states, Maine has emerged as the hottest primary battleground. Democrats are eager to win four Senate seats, and all eyes are on the reelection campaign of Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Democrats hope to defeat Collins in November, but internal divisions have surfaced over their leading candidate, Graham Platner. The race has become one of the most closely watched this primary season.
According to polls, Platner, 41, a progressive, holds a slight edge over Senator Collins in the November midterms. Platner appeals to left-leaning voters with support for universal healthcare and ending US support for Israel. However, recent reports about his past associations have dampened campaign enthusiasm.
Platner, a former US Marine and oyster farmer, faces allegations of “concerning” behavior toward women, including an incident where he allegedly twisted a partner’s arm. Platner has denied the allegation. He also permanently removed a skull-and-crossbones tattoo that critics likened to a Nazi symbol, saying he was unaware of its origins.
Nonetheless, on June 10, Platner was expected to easily defeat his closest Democratic rivals: environmental consultant David Costello and Governor Janet Mills, who remained on the ballot despite announcing her withdrawal from the race.
Maine also features other key national races, including the House seat vacated by Democratic Representative Jared Golden, who announced he would not seek reelection. Former Republican Governor Paul LePage is running unopposed in his party’s primary to replace Golden. Four Democratic candidates are competing in their primary to face him.
The Maine gubernatorial race is also wide open, with Democratic Governor Mills term-limited and leaving office at year’s end. Both parties have multiple prominent candidates.
In Nevada, a deep purple state, primaries are unfolding amid election administration issues. Trump and his allies have targeted the state by spreading false claims of election fraud since his 2020 loss. State Attorney General Aaron Ford leads a crowded field of Democrats challenging incumbent Republican Governor Joe Lombardo. Another key post is Secretary of State, where incumbent Francisco Aguilar, a critic of Trump’s federal election control efforts, is running unopposed.
In South Carolina, Democrats aim to protect the House seat of veteran Representative Jim Clyburn and possibly win a second seat. The Senate race of Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally, is also underway. Despite several challengers, polls show Graham holding a commanding lead. The gubernatorial race is tight, with polls showing a close contest among Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, Attorney General Alan Wilson, and Representative Nancy Mace.
North Dakota, a Republican stronghold, is expected to see little change. Incumbent Representative Julie Fedorchak seeks to defeat challenger Alex Balazs in the Republican primary. Democratic candidate Trygve Hammer is running unopposed.
