South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette speaks to reporters about her gubernatorial campaign after casting her ballot in the GOP primary on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Taylors, S.C.
Voters across Maine, Nevada, South Carolina and North Dakota have cast their ballots in another day of primary elections in America. Much of the political world was focused on Maine’s high-stakes U.S. Senate contest even though the results weren't in question. Neither Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins nor Democratic challenger Graham Platner faced serious opposition for their party’s nomination. Elsewhere, President Donald Trump’s clout within his party was tested anew in states like South Carolina and Nevada, where he endorsed his favored candidates. Democrats hope to build momentum in Nevada in their broader push to reclaim key governor’s seats.
Nevada, South Carolina and North Dakota have hosted primary elections, but much of the political world is focused on Maine’s high-stakes U.S. Senate contest. The Maine results were never in question. Neither Republican Sen. Susan Collins nor Democratic challenger Graham Platner faced serious opposition for their party’s nomination. Yet Tuesday marked an especially significant moment for Platner, a veteran and oyster farmer who's fighting to rebuild his credibility in a campaign rocked by controversy. Elsewhere, President Donald Trump’s clout within the Republican Party was tested anew in states like South Carolina and Nevada. Democrats hoped to build momentum in Nevada in their broader push to reclaim key governor’s seats.