|
June 9, 2026 
|
|
|
 |
| Sophie Park for The New York Times |
Good evening and welcome to another primary night.
Polls are closing in South Carolina and will close soon in Maine, two states that are home to closely watched Senate primaries.
In South Carolina, Senator Lindsey Graham — once a colorful critic of President Trump, now a close ally — is racing to avoid a runoff in the Republican primary. And in Maine, as you surely know if you read this newsletter, Democrats are choosing their nominee to challenge Senator Susan Collins, a Republican, in a race that is essential to Democratic hopes of retaking the Senate.
Graham Platner became the presumptive Democratic nominee after Gov. Janet Mills, his chief opponent, dropped out in April (though she remains on the ballot). But as he navigates scandals over his past behavior toward women, the margin of his expected victory will be closely scrutinized. Are there signs of a protest vote? Or are Democrats now even more motivated to show their support for the oysterman and political newcomer?
There are other races on the ballot in South Carolina and Maine, and North Dakota and Nevada are also holding primary contests today.
Follow along below with us tonight, and I’ll be back in the morning with what we’re watching next.
Thanks for reading!
— Katie Glueck
