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Embattled Senate hopeful Graham Platner survived his Democratic primary in Maine Tuesday night, setting the stage for a November matchup against longtime incumbent Sen. Susan Collins that could decide which party controls the upper chamber next year.
Meanwhile, Senate and gubernatorial primaries in South Carolina demonstrated once again how crucial President Trump’s endorsement is for Republican candidates.
Here are four key takeaways from primary night in the pine tree and palmetto states:
Maine Democrats overlook Platner’s scandals
The controversial oyster farmer and Marine veteran received about 72% of the vote in the Democratic Senate primary despite a string of scandals, including having a Nazi tattoo on his chest up until last fall; making wildly offensive Reddit posts; sexting at least a half-dozen women while married; and allegedly physically abusing an ex-girlfriend.
Platner acknowledged he’s “far from perfect” in his victory speech.
“I’ve made mistakes in my life. Mistakes that I regret, that I live with and that I continue to learn from,” he said, before urging voters to accept that “people can change.”
Early voting in Maine kicked off on May 11, before two former girlfriends of Platner’s accused him last week of physical abuse and other troubling behavior.
Democratic Maine Gov. Janet Mills, who stopped campaigning in April, received about 20% of the vote in the high-profile primary.
Collins allies warn it’s the ‘beginning of the end’ for Platner
Republicans wasted no time in going after Platner following his primary win, expressing confidence that Mainers will reject him come the general election.
“Today marks the beginning of the end for Graham Platner,” Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), who is also the head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), wrote on X.
“He will be exposed, his agenda destroyed, and Mainers will reject him,” Scott added. “No amount of DC Democrat support or left-wing billionaire backing will save him.
“The choice in Maine is clear and nothing will be taken for granted.”
Meanwhile, the NRSC released a blistering ad noting Collins doesn’t have a Nazi tattoo nor an account on a “notorious predator’s paradise app.”
The group’s central message is that Platner “delivers scandals,” while Collins “delivers results.”
Shawn Roderick, a spokesperson for Collins’ campaign, argued, “Mainers aren’t looking for bitter campaigns, grand promises, or angry speeches riddled with lies. They’re looking for results.”
“They want affordable health care, safe communities, good-paying jobs, strong schools, and someone who will show up and do the work,” he said in a statement. “That’s why Senator Susan Collins continues to earn the support of Republicans, Democrats, and independents across Maine.
“While others talk about revolution and division, Susan Collins is delivering for Maine communities by funding rural hospitals, supporting our shipbuilders and fishermen, improving infrastructure, expanding broadband, and strengthening public safety.”
Mace trounced in South Carolina gubernatorial primary after Trump endorsement snub
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) tried to position herself as the most Trump-aligned candidate in the South Carolina GOP gubernatorial primary – but finished in fifth place after failing to receive the president’s stamp of approval.
The congresswoman, who opted to launch a bid for the governor’s mansion rather than seek a fourth term in the House, garnered only 12% of the vote Tuesday night.
Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, who was endorsed by Trump late last month, was the top vote-getter (28.9%) and advanced to a June 23 runoff against state Attorney General Alan Wilson.
In her concession speech, Mace announced that she would back Wilson in the runoff.
Graham avoids runoff against insurgent Republican challenger
Sen. Lindsey Graham, who also received a Trump endorsement, fended off a primary challenge from an anti-interventionist Republican.
Graham, an outspoken supporter of Trump’s war in Iran, defeated businessman Mark Lynch by a 56.8%-28.9% margin.
Lynch was recently endorsed by former Trump administration intelligence official and Iran war critic Joe Kent and has been previously described by the president as a “lunatic” who would be a “DISASTER for the Republican Party.”
Graham will face Charleston pediatrician Annie Andrews – the winner of the Democratic primary – in November. The GOP senator is seeking a fifth term in the upper chamber.
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