Voting stickers are displayed on a table at a polling place inside City Hall, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Las Vegas.
John Locher/AP Photo
hide caption
toggle caption
John Locher/AP Photo
From Maine to Nevada, today’s primaries are pivotal in shaping the political landscape. Voters will decide key races for U.S. Senate, House, governor, and more.
In Maine, the Senate race draws significant attention as Graham Platner, a newcomer to politics, challenges long-standing Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
In Nevada, Gov. Joe Lombardo is preparing for a challenging November election.
South Carolina’s governor’s race features a Republican candidate endorsed by President Trump, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette.
Here’s a look at the most notable races, as reported by NPR network journalists.
Maine U.S. Senate seat | Maine’s 2nd Congressional District | Maine governor | Nevada governor | South Carolina governor
Get more information on voter resources for the June 9 primaries from NPR.
Maine’s primary winners will set up crucial November races
— Kevin Miller and Steve Mistler, Maine Public
Maine’s U.S. Senate seat
The Democrats’ path to Senate control likely involves unseating Republican Sen. Collins in Maine.
This election may pivot on whether voters prioritize Collins’ influence, particularly in bringing federal funding to Maine, over Platner’s argument that the political system disadvantages working-class Americans.
Platner’s energetic campaign resulted in the withdrawal of Democratic rival Gov. Janet Mills. However, controversies, including accusations of threatening behavior and prior sexting, cast doubt on his ability to win in November.
Platner denies the allegations.
Maine’s 2nd Congressional District
In a district that supported Trump three times, four Democrats are competing to succeed retiring Rep. Jared Golden. The winner will challenge former Governor Paul LePage.
This race will indicate the type of candidates Democrats believe can win in challenging districts.
Maine’s governor
While the Democratic nominee is anticipated to win, the Cook Political Report indicates competition remains. Five Democrats and seven Republicans are in the running, with potential for a ranked-choice runoff.
Key issues include housing affordability, property taxes, healthcare access, and opposition to President Trump.
Polls show Dr. Nirav Shah leading, but Troy Jackson is gaining traction. On the Republican side, Bobby Charles leads, with State Sen. Rick Bennett running as an independent in November.
Nevada’s GOP governor faces a tough November
— Paul Boger, Nevada Public Radio
Governor Joe Lombardo of Nevada is up for a challenging election, partly due to the state’s discontent with Trump’s economic policies. Cook Political Report rates this race a toss-up, with Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford as a strong contender.
Lombardo, with significant campaign funds, is expected to advance past the primary, but may struggle in November given economic concerns.
Ford faces criticism for extensive travel as attorney general and for backing data centers, a contentious issue in Nevada, from both Republicans and primary opponent Alexis Hill.
The governor’s race in South Carolina tests Trump’s endorsement power
— Gavin Jackson, South Carolina Public Radio
South Carolina’s Republican governor’s race is crowded, with Trump’s endorsement of Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette not guaranteeing a frontrunner status.
Her main opponent, Alan Wilson, shares Trump’s political views, while Congresswoman Nancy Mace, citing her support for transparency regarding the Epstein files, claims it cost her Trump’s backing. A runoff is anticipated.
Democratic contenders include Rep. Jermaine Johnson, lawyer Mullins McLeod, and businessman Billy Webster.
Following Trump’s recent setback in Iowa, political analysts are closely observing South Carolina’s results.
Voter resources for the June 9 primaries from the NPR Network
Maine | Nevada | North Dakota | South Carolina
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
