Voters across Maine, Nevada, South Carolina, and North Dakota are heading to the polls Tuesday for another day of primary elections in America. The results are not in question, but Tuesday marks an especially significant moment for Graham Platner, the embattled veteran and oyster farmer, who is fighting to rebuild his credibility in a campaign rocked by controversy.
Maine Senate Contest
Platner sits at the very center of the Democratic Party’s quest to reclaim the Senate majority this fall. So Democrats need him to take a significant step forward Tuesday, with the eyes of the nation watching, in the urgent task of rebuilding his credibility. Platner will win his party’s Senate nomination Tuesday, but his most serious opponent, Maine Gov. Janet Mills, suspended her campaign in April after it became clear Platner was in a commanding position.
Trump’s Clout Tested
President Donald Trump’s clout within his party will be tested anew in states like South Carolina and Nevada, where he’s endorsed his favored candidates. Democrats hope to build momentum in Nevada in their broader push to reclaim key governor’s seats.
Powerful Family Ties
Powerful family ties will also be in the spotlight in Maine and South Carolina, where candidates with political pedigrees are running for office. In Maine, Democrats Angus King III and Hannah Pingree are competing for their party’s nomination for governor. King is the businessman son of U.S. Sen. Angus King. Pingree, a former speaker of the state House, is the daughter of U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, who has represented the state’s 1st congressional district since 2009.
Nevada Governor’s Seat
Democrats will select a nominee for Nevada’s governor race, where they have a real opportunity to flip control of the swing state this fall. Republican incumbent Gov. Joe Lombardo is considered one of the most vulnerable governors in the country. The Democrats vying to challenge Lombardo include state Attorney General Aaron Ford, who has the backing of the Democratic congressional delegation and former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
