Tuesday's primary elections in South Carolina and Maine will offer a fresh gauge of President Trump's political clout, following his first major statewide primary defeat last week. The South Carolina Republican gubernatorial race, in particular, pits Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette against a crowded field of rivals, including state Attorney General Alan Wilson and Reps. Ralph Norman and Nancy Mace. Evette is expected to advance to a runoff, but an outright win would provide a much-needed boost for Trump after his pick for Iowa governor, Rep. Randy Feenstra, lost his primary.
In Maine, Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner, a progressive oyster farmer who surged to frontrunner status, now faces a barrage of controversies that could derail his bid for a must-win seat in the fight for Senate control. These races, along with contests in Nevada and North Dakota, will set the stage for key midterm matchups that will shape the political landscape and the battle for Congress.
Trump Seeks Redemption in South Carolina
Trump is looking to reassert his influence in the Palmetto State, where he won by double digits in 2024. He and outgoing Gov. Henry McMaster have both endorsed Evette, but the crowded field has seen most candidates pitch their alignment with the White House. Trump's endorsed candidates have had a winning streak this cycle, ousting high-profile detractors like Sen. Bill Cassidy and Rep. Thomas Massie. However, the Iowa loss raised questions about the power of his endorsement, even as he held a telerally for Evette on Monday.
Polls show Evette and Wilson nearly tied at 19% and 18%, respectively, followed by businessman Rom Reddy at 15%, with Norman and Mace trailing around 14% each. Experts predict no one will clear the majority threshold, forcing a runoff on June 23. The Cook Political Report notes that the Iowa race proved Trump's endorsement isn't the only factor, but Evette still hopes it will be enough in a race rated solidly Republican.
Platner Controversy Roils Maine Senate Race
Graham Platner, who shook up Maine's political scene with his populist platform, is on track to win the Democratic nomination for Senate, where Democrats see a key pickup opportunity against incumbent Sen. Susan Collins. But his campaign has been rocked by multiple scandals, including a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, deleted Reddit posts, and reports of sexually explicit texts to women while married. The New York Times reported that previous romantic partners described his behavior as toxic.
Platner denied any physical allegations and claimed ignorance about the tattoo in an interview with MS NOW. When asked if he considered dropping out, he replied, "No, not once." The primary will test his resilience amid Democratic anxieties about the seat, as Collins has held on despite Trump's losses in Maine. Gov. Janet Mills, who had been a top recruit to challenge Collins, suspended her campaign in April after falling behind in fundraising and polls, though she remains on the ballot.
Democrats Eye Toss-Up Fight for Nevada Governor
In Nevada, Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo, the only GOP governor to flip a seat in the 2022 midterms, faces a primary with six challengers but is likely to advance. On the Democratic side, six candidates are vying for a chance to take him on in November, with state Attorney General Aaron Ford seen as the favorite, though Washoe County Commissioner Alexis Hill is mounting a challenge. The race is considered a battleground for the general election.
These primaries come amid broader political dynamics, including ongoing debates over election integrity, as seen in recent controversies in other states. For more on how such issues are playing out nationally, see our coverage of Vance's claims about mail-in ballots in the LA mayoral primary. Additionally, the influence of Trump endorsements remains a central theme, as highlighted by the California governor's race where Becerra and a Trump-backed candidate advanced.
As Tuesday's results roll in, they will provide early signals for the midterm landscape, with implications for both parties' strategies. The outcomes in South Carolina and Maine will be particularly telling for Trump's hold on the GOP and Democrats' chances of flipping key seats.
