Graham Platner Wins Maine Senate Primary as Nancy Mace Falls in Key Election Night
Graham Platner secured the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate in Maine on Tuesday, overcoming months of controversy and setting up a high-profile general-election contest against Republican Sen. Susan Collins. The race is expected to become one of the most closely watched Senate battles of the 2026 cycle.
Platner’s victory came despite sustained scrutiny surrounding past online posts and personal allegations that drew concern from some Democrats during the primary campaign. His supporters argued voters were focused on policy priorities and the opportunity to challenge Collins in November.
Elsewhere, South Carolina produced one of the night’s biggest surprises. Rep. Nancy Mace failed to advance in the Republican gubernatorial primary, finishing fifth in a race ultimately led by Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson. Evette carried Trump’s endorsement into the runoff.
Subscribe free for daily political analysis they won’t broadcast. Join 110K+ readers →
The outcomes highlighted the continued importance of Trump’s backing inside Republican primaries while also showing limits to its reach. Some endorsed candidates succeeded, while others struggled in competitive statewide contests.
For Democrats, Platner’s nomination creates both opportunity and risk. Maine represents one of the party’s most promising pickup opportunities, but Republicans are already preparing to center the campaign on Platner’s past controversies.
The next major test comes in November, when voters will determine whether Democrats can convert primary enthusiasm into a Senate gain and whether Republican candidates aligned with Trump can maintain momentum in general-election contests.
Subscribe free for daily political analysis they won’t broadcast. Join 110K+ readers →