Maine and Nevada Primaries Shape 2026 U.S. Midterm Contest

On June 9, four U.S. states held primary elections that will determine the candidates for the November 2026 midterm elections, with Maine and Nevada drawing particular attention.

In Maine, the focal point is the U.S. Senate race. Incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins is seeking re‑election, while Democrats are coalescing around Graham Platner, a candidate whose campaign has become a litmus test for the party’s chances to flip the Senate.

Nevada’s primary produced several close Republican contests and notable upsets. Jim Marchant narrowly led the Secretary‑of‑State race, while Trump‑endorsed retired Air Force Lt. Col. David Flippo defeated James Settelmeyer for the GOP nomination in the state’s 2nd Congressional District. Other GOP primaries were tightly contested, and Democrats secured decisive wins in statewide offices such as the State Treasurer and Attorney General races.