Political newcomer Graham Platner won Maine's Democratic primary for U.S. Senate on Tuesday, setting up a high-stakes November race against Republican Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) as voters cast ballots in primaries across Maine, Nevada, North Dakota and South Carolina.

Platner Sets Up High-Stakes Collins Race

The Associated Press called the race for Platner, an oyster farmer and former chair of the planning board in the small town of Sullivan. He entered the race with little political experience but drew large crowds at rallies around Maine.

Platner has also faced controversies that became attack lines for his rivals, including scrutiny of past conduct and comments. Since entering the race, he has emphasized redemption, arguing that people who have made mistakes can work to become better.

Democrats see Maine as one of their best chances to flip a Republican-held Senate seat. It is the only state with a competitive Senate race where voters backed Democrat Kamala Harris over Donald Trump in 2024.

Democrats And Republicans Frame Race Differently

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), who chairs the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, said in a statement that Collins "has never been more vulnerable" and predicted that "Maine voters will elect Graham Platner."

Republicans framed the race differently. According to a statement shared with AP, Senate Leadership Fund Executive Director Alex Latcham called Platner "a dangerous deviant" and said Collins has shown "strong character, steady leadership, and unmatched effectiveness."

Primaries Also Shape Other Key Races

In South Carolina, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson advanced to a runoff for the Republican nomination for governor after no candidate cleared the 50% threshold. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) won his Republican primary outright as he seeks a fifth term. Trump congratulated Graham on Truth Social, celebrating his "BIG WIN" in a field "of very capable candidates."

In Nevada, Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo remained a top Democratic target. Democrats competing to challenge him included Attorney General Aaron Ford and Washoe County Commissioner Alexis Hill.

In North Dakota, Rep. Julie Fedorchak (R-N.D.) won the Republican primary for the state's lone at-large House seat. AP called the race early Tuesday evening with 31 of 358 precincts reporting. The Republican nominee is heavily favored in November in the deep-red state.