GOP Digest — June 9, 2026 | Primary Day: South Carolina, Maine, Nevada & North Dakota Vote as GOP Defends Senate Map

Four states vote as Republicans defend the map:

Voters in Maine, Nevada, North Dakota, and South Carolina head to the polls today, June 9, for the latest round of 2026 primaries. Republicans are defending key incumbents and open seats as the party works to protect and expand its Senate majority. Polls close this evening.

Lindsey Graham seeks a fifth term:

Four-term Sen. Lindsey Graham faces a field of primary challengers led by businessman Mark Lynch, with recent polling showing Graham hovering near the 50% threshold needed to avoid a runoff. In the open governor's race, term-limited Gov. Henry McMaster leaves behind a crowded six-way Republican primary.

Sanders-backed Graham Platner leads Democratic field to challenge Susan Collins:

The Democratic Senate primary has drawn national attention, with populist Graham Platner leading a divided field that includes Gov. Janet Mills. The eventual nominee faces five-term Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November, a top GOP-held target Democrats have so far failed to flip.

Gov. Joe Lombardo cruises toward renomination:

Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo is expected to sail through his primary today, setting up a competitive November contest with Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford as a likely opponent.

Republican committees hold the cash lead:

The NRCC posted its best year-to-date fundraising in committee history, hauling $57.6 million, including $10.4 million in April alone. The NRSC raised $48.6 million in the first half of the cycle, roughly $8 million ahead of the Democratic DSCC.

Trump-backed Barry Moore heads to June 16 Senate runoff:

Rep. Barry Moore, endorsed by President Donald Trump, advances to a June 16 Republican runoff against former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson for Alabama's open Senate seat. Trump-backed Sen. Tommy Tuberville has already secured the GOP gubernatorial nomination.