Key Races in the U.S. Primaries from Maine to South Carolina

Voting stickers are arranged on a table at a polling place inside City Hall, Las Vegas, on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Today’s primary elections span across Maine, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Nevada. Voters will decide on candidates for the U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, governorships, and more.

Maine

In Maine, the U.S. Senate race holds significant importance for Democrats striving to take control in November. Political newcomer Graham Platner, dealing with controversies, is the Democratic nominee challenging long-term Republican Sen. Susan Collins. Collins brings three decades of experience. Platner advocates for changing a political system unfavorable to working-class citizens. His campaign has faced challenges following accusations of threatening behavior and inappropriate communication with women, which he denies.

Maine’s 2nd Congressional District

Four Democratic candidates are aiming to succeed retiring Democratic Rep. Jared Golden in a district that leaned heavily toward Trump in previous elections. The nominee will compete in the fall against former Republican Gov. Paul LePage.

Maine Governor

To replace term-limited Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, the Democratic race sees five contenders, while seven candidates compete in the GOP primary. Ranked-choice voting could play a role in both. Key campaign topics include affordable housing, property taxes, healthcare access, and opposing Trump. Polls indicate former Maine CDC Director Dr. Nirav Shah is leading, with Troy Jackson gaining momentum. GOP frontrunner Bobby Charles, a lawyer and ex-Navy intelligence officer, is expected, with State Sen. Rick Bennett running independently in November.

Nevada

Nevada’s gubernatorial race features Republican incumbent Joe Lombardo facing a challenging November. Despite a significant campaign fund, economic policies are unpopular in Nevada, affecting domestic and international tourism-driven economy. Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford, with financial advantages, is viewed as a leading contender but faces competition from Washoe County Commissioner Alexis Hill in the Democratic primary.

South Carolina

The South Carolina governor’s race is crowded. Republican Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette has received Trump’s endorsement, which presents a test for his influence, especially after a recent primary setback in Iowa. Evette competes with Alan Wilson, a Trump supporter, and Congresswoman Nancy Mace claims her stance on transparency affected Trump’s support. The race will likely require a runoff. For the Democrats, Columbia State Rep. Jermaine Johnson, lawyer Mullins McLeod, and businessman Billy Webster contest each other.

Voter Resources: For a comprehensive guide on the upcoming primaries on June 9, visit the NPR Network for details on voting in states like Maine, Nevada, North Dakota, and South Carolina.