SouthernWorldwide.com – Polls have closed in Maine, with the state holding primary elections on Tuesday alongside South Carolina, Nebraska, and North Dakota.
The most nationally scrutinized race is in Maine, where Graham Platner, the Democratic Senate candidate, faces a crucial test. He aims to unseat long-serving Republican Sen. Susan Collins in a race that could significantly influence the GOP’s slim Senate majority in the upcoming midterm elections.
Platner, an oyster farmer and combat veteran endorsed by progressive figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders, is navigating a series of controversies. These issues may make his anticipated Democratic primary victory more closely watched than initially expected.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump’s influence in Republican primaries is under scrutiny in South Carolina’s gubernatorial and Senate nomination contests, following a recent break in his endorsement streak.
PLATNER TO SUPPORTERS: ‘MAINE, YOU HAVE MY BACK’
Platner has spent the last month addressing mounting controversies. These include offensive online comments, a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, allegations of exchanging sexually explicit messages while married, and recent accusations from ex-girlfriends detailing a history of rape fantasies, heavy drinking, and violent episodes. Platner has denied the latest claims of violence.
These negative headlines have prompted some national Democrats to question Platner’s viability. The candidate, however, recently expressed gratitude to Maine voters for their continued support.
“When hurtful things I said on the internet a decade ago came out into the public, as I shared my personal journey through PTSD and darkness of recovery and accountability and growth, Maine had my back,” Platner stated at a rally near his hometown.
“Now, as every single piece of that past and journey gets dug up, litigated, and weaponized, you have my back. And when politically motivated, serious and false accusations are made against me. Maine, you have my back.”
SEE IT: MAINE VOTERS SOUND OFF ON PLATNER CONTROVERSIES
Platner, who has spoken openly about his struggles with PTSD from his military service in Iraq and Afghanistan, apologized for his controversial Reddit posts after they surfaced last fall shortly after he launched his Senate campaign.
Regarding the tattoo, Platner explained he got it in 2007 while serving with Marines in Croatia, and later covered it after learning it resembled a Nazi symbol. However, new allegations from an ex-girlfriend cast doubt on his timeline of awareness.
“I’m more concerned about making it clear that we’re opposed to misogyny, those relationships were toxic and volatile, there’s no excuse for that,” stated Khanna, a supporter. “I talked to Graham, and he says he was at a very dark period, he had come back from two tours of duty in Iraq as an infantryman seeing violence and death. That doesn’t excuse it.”
SEE IT: DEM SENATORS DODGE ON BACKING PLATNER AS MAINE CANDIDATE’S SCANDAL CLOUDS FINAL DAYS BEFORE PRIMARY
Khanna also noted Platner’s assertion that he “really grew as a person when he came back to Maine, and he was an oyster farmer, and he found peace, and he is ashamed of that period. To me, that suggests someone taking accountability and improving their lives, and we need that redemption in this country. And I agree with a lot of his economic policies, that we should be taxing the billionaires, we should be focusing on the working class.”
Platner was widely expected to be the Democratic nominee after two-term Governor Janet Mills, who had the backing of Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and the party establishment, withdrew from the race earlier this spring, significantly trailing Platner in fundraising and polling.
Senator Collins, returning to Maine after a busy week on Capitol Hill where she cast her 10,000th consecutive vote, was asked about the latest allegations against Platner. “The allegations in the latest story are troubling,” Collins replied. “And I believe that Graham Platner has a lot of questions to answer.”
THE TEN RACES THAT WILL DETERMINE THE SENATE’S MAJORITY
Platner faces intense scrutiny from Republican groups. A super PAC associated with Collins has been running ads highlighting his controversies.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) has labeled Platner a “fraud,” asserting that his claims of a humble upbringing are false, citing his attendance at boarding school and parental assistance with a house.
The Republican National Committee (RNC) also targeted Platner, referencing his alleged statements about rape and power dynamics, based on the latest accusations.
Despite the allegations and Republican attacks, no Democratic politicians who have endorsed Platner have withdrawn their support.
Platner has attracted large crowds and built a substantial fundraising base. Democrats view Maine as a key pickup opportunity in their bid to regain the Senate majority.
However, defeating Collins, a moderate seeking her sixth term and known for opposing President Donald Trump’s agenda, will be challenging. Six years ago, despite polls suggesting she was headed for defeat, Collins won re-election by a nine-point margin.
In Maine’s gubernatorial race, there is a competitive Democratic primary to succeed the term-limited Mills. On the Republican side, former federal investigator Bobby Charles leads eight other candidates, including Jonathan Bush, nephew of the late President George H.W. Bush.
The Democratic primary in the state’s 2nd Congressional District is also noteworthy. Moderate Democratic Rep. Jared Golden is not seeking re-election due to political polarization, making the seat a target for Republicans aiming to hold their narrow House majority. The district, which Trump won in previous presidential elections, is considered a prime pickup opportunity. Former Governor Paul LePage is uncontested for the GOP nomination.
In South Carolina, President Trump’s endorsement is a central focus. He recently endorsed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, who is running to succeed Republican Gov. Henry McMaster.
Evette faces rivals in the GOP primary, including Attorney General Alan Wilson, Rep. Nancy Mace, Rep. Ralph Norman, and businessman Rom Reddy. As no candidate is expected to secure over 50% of the vote, the top two finishers will proceed to a runoff election.
Trump’s endorsement power has been evident in recent GOP primaries, with his endorsed candidates winning in Indiana, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Texas.
However, his late endorsement of Iowa Rep. Randy Feenstra in the race to succeed retiring Gov. Kim Reynolds was not enough to secure victory. Feenstra was narrowly defeated by Zach Lahn, a businessman and former political strategist backed by groups aligned with former Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Turning Point USA.
In South Carolina’s GOP gubernatorial primary, candidates have emphasized their support for Trump and his agenda to gain his backing.
Trump endorsed Evette, calling her an “America First Patriot” and a “WINNER.”
Following Trump’s endorsement of Evette, Rep. Nancy Mace suggested that her advocacy for the Justice Department to release files related to the Jeffrey Epstein probe may have influenced the president’s decision.
“I know I put the likelihood of an endorsement on the line when I demanded transparency on the Epstein files,” Mace stated on X. “I demanded it because you deserved the truth — ALL OF IT.”
Trump also expressed his expectation that Evette would select Henry McMaster Jr., the governor’s son, as her running mate. This comment sparked speculation in South Carolina political circles about a potential political boost for McMaster Jr.
However, Governor McMaster denied any such arrangement, and Evette stated that her running mate would not be named until after the primary. Younger McMaster later withdrew his name from consideration, citing that “now is simply not the right time.”
The Republican gubernatorial nominee is expected to be the frontrunner in South Carolina’s general election in November.
For the Democratic nomination, State Rep. Jermaine Johnson, trial attorney William Mullins McLeod Jr., and businessman Billy Webster are competing.
In the Republican Senate primary, Sen. Lindsey Graham is the clear favorite but faces a challenging race against South Carolina businessman Mark Lynch.
In Nevada, incumbent Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo is expected to win his primary. On the Democratic side, Attorney General Aaron Ford is the strong favorite over Washoe County Commissioner Alexis Hill.
North Dakota, a solidly Republican state, features a competitive GOP House primary for its at-large district.
