5 takeaways from the latest midterm primaries, with Platner's win and mixed results for Trump support

By — Steve Peoples, Associated Press Steve Peoples, Associated Press By — Joey Cappelletti, Associated Press Joey Cappelletti, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/5-takeaways-from-the-latest-midterm-primaries-with-platners-win-and-mixed-results-for-trump-support Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter 5 takeaways from the latest midterm primaries, with Platner's win and mixed results for Trump support Politics Jun 10, 2026 10:50 AM EDT WASHINGTON (AP) — Nevada, South Carolina and North Dakota hosted primary elections Tuesday, but much of the political world was focused on Maine's high-stakes U.S. Senate contest. The results were never in question. Neither Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins nor Democratic challenger Graham Platner faced serious opposition for their party's nomination. And yet Tuesday marked an especially significant moment for Platner, the embattled veteran and oyster farmer, who is fighting to rebuild his credibility in a campaign rocked by controversy. WATCH: How Maine Democrats view Platner's scandals and chances to oust Sen. Collins Elsewhere, President Donald Trump's clout within his party was tested anew in states like South Carolina and Nevada, where he endorsed his favored candidates. Democrats hoped to build momentum in Nevada as part of a broader push to reclaim key governor's seats. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Here's some of the biggest takeaways from Tuesday's primaries. Follow along with live results from the Associated Press: Maine Nevada South Carolina North Dakota Platner tries to shift the conversation There is no question that Platner has repair work to do. The Maine Democrat openly acknowledged as much Tuesday night, telling a room packed with cheering supporters that "people can change." "Any of those who feel let down or disappointed or disillusioned, it is my job to earn your trust, faith and support," Platner said. He later added, "I've made mistakes in my life, mistakes that I regret, that I live with, that I continue to learn from." READ MORE: Platner seeks the Democratic Senate nomination to set up critical Maine race with Collins It was hardly a defiant message for a man who sits at the very center of the Democratic Party's fight to reclaim the Senate majority. Although he spent the closing minutes of his election-night speech attacking Collins, much of the night was choreographed to address other controversies. It was barely a week ago when revelations surfaced that Platner had engaged in sexually explicit messages with multiple women while married. Allies wondered if more baggage would emerge, and then The New York Times reported new allegations about his behavior during previous relationships. Platner's mother took the stage before he spoke. She declared: "I am very, very proud of my son. I'm proud of who he is."