Full Breakdown
June 9, 2026 Senate Primaries: Graham Secures South Carolina GOP Nomination, Platner Wins Maine Democratic Nomination
6/11/2026, 1:50:45 AM
Primary Outcomes
On June 9, voters in South Carolina and Maine selected their parties’ nominees for the U.S. Senate. In South Carolina, incumbent Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham won the GOP primary, defeating businessman Mark Lynch and avoiding a runoff. In Maine, progressive newcomer Graham Platner captured the Democratic nomination, beating the only other serious contender, former Gov. Janet Mills, who had withdrawn but remained on the ballot.
Campaign Spending and Endorsements
South Carolina’s race featured heavy out-of-state and super-PAC spending. Graham’s campaign and allied groups reported more than $13 million in television and digital ads, while Lynch invested $5 million of personal funds. A newly formed super-PAC, Palmetto Action, disclosed $3.2 million in ads supporting Graham. Media-tracking data also cite $18 million in total ad purchases by Graham-aligned entities since January 2025. President Donald Trump endorsed Graham early in the cycle and later called Lynch a “lunatic.”
In Maine, Platner’s campaign operated on a modest budget compared with the national Senate races, relying on grassroots fundraising and endorsements from progressive leaders such as Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Ro Khanna. No major super-PAC spending was reported for the Democratic primary.
Key Figures and Their Positions
- Lindsey Graham – Four-term Republican incumbent, endorsed by Trump, emphasizing border security and alignment with the president’s agenda.
- Mark Lynch – Self-funding businessman, positioned as an “America First” candidate, criticized by Trump and Graham’s ads for past drug-related arrests.
- Annie Andrews – Democratic challenger in South Carolina, labeled Graham “career, corrupt, cowardly.”
- Graham Platner – Marine veteran, oyster farmer, and anti-war activist; framed his candidacy as a redemption story.
- Susan Collins – Incumbent Republican senator in Maine, awaiting a general-election contest with Platner.
Official Statements & Responses
The Graham campaign highlighted Trump’s endorsement, stating that the president “delivered on his promise to close the border” and that Graham is “there for South Carolina, delivering for President Trump.” Platner’s campaign released a statement asserting, “If you believe, as I do, that we can change our politics, and change our country, then you must also believe that people can change.” The Democratic Senate leadership issued a joint release noting that “Collins has never been more vulnerable” and expressing confidence that “Maine voters will elect Graham Platner.”
Criticism & Opposition
Andrews condemned Graham as “career, corrupt, cowardly,” arguing he has abandoned South Carolinian interests. Platner faced sharp rebuke from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who called his past behavior “hard to stomach,” and from Sen. Collins, who said Platner “owes the people of Maine a detailed answer” on “extremely troubling” allegations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the total ad spend supporting Graham: one report cites $13 million, while another aggregates $18 million since early 2025. No definitive figure on Lynch’s total ad purchases beyond his $5 million self-funding is provided. Polling data on Graham’s margin over Lynch varied, with some outlets indicating a comfortable lead and others suggesting a narrower gap that could have triggered a runoff.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am a fighter. And it is clear to me that people in South Carolina are ready for something different. Lindsey Graham is a career, corrupt, cowardly politician. He's been our senator for 23 years now. And people understand that he really has abandoned South Carolinians.” — Annie Andrews, Democratic Senate candidate
- “If you believe, as I do, that we can change our politics, and change our country, then you must also believe that people can change,” — Graham Platner
- “just as spineless and corrupt as the establishment she now serves.” — Graham Platner (on Susan Collins)
- “Obviously, there’s a lot in that behavior that’s really challenging — it’s hard to stomach,” — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- “ Collinstold reporterson the Hill on Tuesday that Platner “owes the people of Maine a detailed answer” on these “extremely troubling” allegations.” — Susan Collins
Why It Matters
Graham’s primary win preserves a senior Republican seat in a deep-red state and underscores Trump’s continuing sway over GOP primaries. Platner’s victory, despite personal controversies, positions a progressive challenger against a long-standing Republican incumbent, shaping the Senate balance in a year where Democrats aim to reclaim control.
What’s Next
Graham will face Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews in the November general election. Platner will contest the Maine Senate seat against Sen. Susan Collins, with both campaigns expected to intensify fundraising and advertising as the November ballot approaches.
