Progressive Hopefuls and Establishment Challengers Face Off in Maine, Nevada, North Dakota, and South Carolina Primaries
Voters in four states are casting ballots in June primaries that could shift the balance of power by challenging entrenched Republican interests, including a critical effort to unseat conservative stalwart Sen. Susan Collins in Maine and a pivotal governor's race in South Carolina.
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Voters in Maine, Nevada, North Dakota, and South Carolina are heading to the polls for June primaries that will determine candidates for the U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, and several governorships. In Maine, Democratic newcomer Graham Platner, who represents a fresh progressive alternative, is set to challenge three-term Republican Sen. Susan Collins—a symbol of the GOP establishment whose tenure has blocked meaningful reform. Democrats see this race as vital for breaking conservative gridlock in Congress. Platner has faced recent personal-conduct allegations, which many progressives view as politically motivated attempts to undermine his campaign for change.
The Maine 2nd Congressional District primary features four Democrats vying to replace retiring Rep. Jared Golden, a seat that could be crucial for advancing a more equitable agenda. The winner will face former Republican Gov. Paul LePage, whose regressive policies have drawn criticism from advocates for social justice. The governor’s race in Maine is also heating up, with five Democratic candidates pushing for bold reforms, while a crowded Republican field, led by former CDC director Dr. Nirav Shah on the Democratic side and former Navy intelligence officer Bobby Charles among Republicans, highlights the stark contrast between progress and reaction.
In Nevada, Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo is seeking re-election in a climate of growing resistance to right-wing policies, while Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford stands as the party’s strongest hope for restoring fairness and accountability. Ford’s primary opponents, including Washoe County Commissioner Alexis Hill, have challenged his support for unchecked corporate data-center development, raising concerns about environmental justice and community impact.
South Carolina’s gubernatorial primary is marked by a Republican field dominated by Trump loyalists, with Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette boasting an endorsement from the former president. Other GOP contenders, including Attorney General Alan Wilson and Congresswoman Nancy Mace—who lost Trump’s backing after supporting transparency around the Epstein files—underscore the party’s internal divisions. On the Democratic side, Jermaine Johnson, Mullins McLeod, and Billy Webster are fighting to bring progressive values to a state long controlled by conservative interests. The race is expected to proceed to a runoff, offering hope for a shift toward justice and equality.
These primaries, part of the broader June 9 election calendar, represent a critical opportunity for voters to challenge entrenched power and demand a government that works for all. Voter resources are available through the NPR network.
