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Graham Platner wins Maine primary, setting up face-off with longtime Senator Collins

June 10, 2026

Graham Platner, an oyster farmer and former Marine with no political experience, won Maine's Democratic Senate primary despite multiple controversies including a Nazi-resembling tattoo and past offensive comments about rape. He will now challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins, who has served nearly 30 years in the Senate and has recently aligned more closely with Trump after previously angering his base. Primary elections also occurred in Nevada, North Dakota, and South Carolina, where Senator Lindsey Graham won despite significant financial challenges from an opponent questioning his Trump loyalty.

Who is affected

  • Graham Platner (Democratic Senate candidate in Maine)
  • Susan Collins (Republican Senator from Maine)
  • Lindsey Graham (South Carolina Senator)
  • Mark Lynch (businessman challenger to Graham)
  • Bernie Sanders (who endorsed Platner)
  • Governor Janet Mills (dropped out of Maine race)
  • James Settelmeyer and David Flippo (Nevada congressional candidates)
  • Marjorie Taylor Greene (former Georgia Congresswoman who helped Lynch)
  • Voters in Maine, Nevada, North Dakota, and South Carolina
  • Democratic and Republican parties

What action is being taken

  • US fighting with Iran is continuing
  • Republicans are battling over a Nevada congressional seat
  • Lindsey Graham is calling for US military intervention in Iran

Why it matters

  • These primary elections determine which candidates will compete in the November midterm elections that will establish the balance of power in Washington for the remainder of Donald Trump's presidential term. The results will influence whether Trump's agenda can advance and affect major policy decisions on issues ranging from domestic politics to foreign conflicts like the ongoing situation with Iran.

What's next

  • Platner will face-off against Senator Susan Collins in the November midterm elections.

Read full article from source: BBC