Primary contests in Maine, Nevada, South Carolina set for June 9
9 reported
Voters in Maine, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Nevada head to the polls today for primary elections that will set the stage for November races for U.S. Senate, House, governor, and other offices. In Maine, political newcomer Graham Platner is the presumptive Democratic nominee to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins, who has held the seat for 30 years. Platner has faced recent accusations published by The New York Times that he was physically threatening in a past relationship, as well as previous revelations that he sexted with several women early in his marriage; he denied the accusations in an interview with Maine Public. In Nevada, Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo faces a tough November election, with Cook Political Report rating the race a toss-up, and Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford seen as a strong challenger. In South Carolina, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette has received President Trump’s endorsement in the crowded Republican primary for governor, though the race lacks a clear frontrunner and is widely expected to go to a runoff.
What’s reported
Primary contests are being held June 9 in Maine, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Nevada.
In Maine, Graham Platner is the presumptive Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate against Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
Platner faced accusations of being physically threatening in a past relationship and sexting with women early in his marriage; he denied the accusations.
In Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, four Democrats are vying to replace retiring Democratic Rep. Jared Golden; the winner will face former Republican Gov. Paul LePage.
Maine’s governor race has a five-way Democratic primary and seven active Republican candidates; former Maine CDC Director Dr. Nirav Shah leads Democratic polls, with former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson surging.
In Nevada, Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo faces a tough November election; Cook rates the race a toss-up.
Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford is a strong challenger to Lombardo but faces criticism from Republicans for travel and from Democratic opponent Alexis Hill over data center support.
In South Carolina, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette has Trump’s endorsement in the Republican primary for governor; her main challengers include Attorney General Alan Wilson and Rep. Nancy Mace.
Three Democrats are running for governor in South Carolina: state Rep. Jermaine Johnson, lawyer Mullins McLeod, and businessman Billy Webster.
Key figures
Graham Platner: presumptive Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine
Susan Collins: Republican U.S. Senator from Maine
Janet Mills: term-limited Democratic Governor of Maine
Dr. Nirav Shah: former Maine CDC Director, Democratic candidate for governor
Troy Jackson: former Maine Senate President, Democratic candidate for governor
Bobby Charles: presumptive frontrunner in GOP governor primary in Maine
Rick Bennett: independent candidate for governor in Maine
Joe Lombardo: Republican Governor of Nevada
Aaron Ford: Democratic Attorney General of Nevada
Alexis Hill: Washoe County Commissioner, Democratic candidate for Nevada governor
Pamela Evette: Republican Lt. Gov. of South Carolina, endorsed by Trump for governor
Alan Wilson: Republican Attorney General of South Carolina, candidate for governor
Nancy Mace: Republican Congresswoman from South Carolina, candidate for governor
Jermaine Johnson: Democratic state Rep. from South Carolina, candidate for governor
Mullins McLeod: Democratic lawyer from Charleston, candidate for governor
Billy Webster: Democratic businessman from Greenville, candidate for governor
Paul LePage: former Republican Governor of Maine
Jared Golden: retiring Democratic U.S. Representative from Maine’s 2nd District
Sources: NPR
