Embattled Democrat Hopes Voters Will Overlook Scandal-Plagued History in Bid to Oust Collins and Claim Victory
As the Democratic Senate primary in Maine is now just one day away, voters are expressing to Fox News that they are sharply divided in their opinions regarding whether the various controversies surrounding Graham Platner are serious enough to be considered disqualifying or if they are being overly exaggerated.
In BANGOR, Maine, a significant moment of reckoning has arrived for Graham Platner, the Democratic Senate candidate who has been embroiled in controversy and is seeking to unseat the long-serving Republican Sen. Susan Collins in a pivotal election that is among a select few which will ultimately decide whether the Republican Party retains its narrow majority in the Senate during the upcoming midterm elections.
Graham Platner, who works as an oyster farmer and is also a military combat veteran, has garnered the support of prominent progressive figures, including Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, and is now facing a multitude of controversies that have the potential to make his anticipated victory in the Democratic primary in Maine a great deal more intriguing than it was initially
At the same time, a week after President Donald Trump's winning streak in prominent Republican primaries came to an end, the significant influence that the president wields over his party is now being put to the test once again in the Republican gubernatorial nomination contest in South Carolina.
These two high-stakes elections will be the main focus of attention and will likely generate a substantial amount of national media coverage as Maine, South Carolina, Nevada, and North Dakota all hold their primary elections on Tuesday, thereby drawing considerable interest from across the country.
In a statement to his supporters, Graham Platner, who is running as a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, expressed his appreciation by saying, 'MAINE, YOU HAVE MY BACK', as he addressed a large gathering of people outside a campaign event that took place on Sunday, June 7, 2026, in Portland, Maine, an event that was attended by a significant number of individuals and was photographed by Robert F. Bukaty of the Associated
The controversies surrounding him encompass a range of incidents, including inflammatory online comments that he made on the social media platform Reddit, a highly publicized and now concealed tattoo on his chest that bore a resemblance to a Nazi symbol, recent revelations that he engaged in the exchange of sexually explicit messages with multiple women while he was married, and newly surfaced allegations from his ex-girlfriends last week, which detail a history of rape fantasies, excessive alcohol consumption, and violent outbursts. Platner has publicly denied the latest allegations of violence, characterizing them as untrue.
The plethora of negative headlines has prompted some members of the Democratic Party in the nation's capital to raise questions about whether Platner's reputation has been irreparably damaged, thereby rendering him unfit for his current role. Over the course of the past weekend, the candidate took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the voters in Maine for their continued support of him.
When the hurtful comments I had made on the internet a decade ago resurfaced and became public knowledge, as I openly shared my personal experiences and struggles with PTSD, as well as the challenging process of recovery, accountability, and growth, the state of Maine stood by me, Platner stated at a rally that took place on Friday in a location not far from his hometown in the Down East region of Maine.
Now, as every single aspect of my past and personal journey is being thoroughly examined, disputed, and exploited, I am grateful to know that I can rely on your support, and when I am faced with politically motivated, serious, and false accusations that are being made against me, I am confident that the people of Maine will continue to have my back.
VIEW IT: MAINE VOTERS EXPRESS THEIR OPINIONS ON THE CONTROVERSIES SURROUNDING GRAHAM PLATNER
At a rally in Bar Harbor, Maine, on June 5, 2026, Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner addressed his supporters, as seen in a photo taken by Paul Steinhauser for Fox News.
Graham Platner, the Democratic Senate candidate, has been open about his struggles with PTSD, which is short for post-traumatic stress disorder, a condition he developed as a result of his three tours of duty in the war in Iraq with the Marines, as well as his one tour with the Army National Guard in Afghanistan.
After his controversial Reddit posts garnered significant attention last fall, shortly after he initiated his Senate campaign, Platner issued an apology.
Additionally, Platner has provided an explanation for the skull and crossbones tattoo he got in 2007, stating that it occurred while he was socializing and drinking with fellow Marines
However, new allegations that have surfaced from an ex-girlfriend of Platner's have raised several questions regarding the accuracy of his timeline concerning his knowledge of the tattoo.
Rep. Ro Khanna, a prominent progressive leader from California who had organized Friday's rally in collaboration with Platner, was questioned by Fox News Digital about whether he has concerns that the current allegations, as well as any potential future allegations, could potentially damage Platner's campaign and hinder Democrats' chances of regaining control of the Senate.
"I am more concerned with making it unequivocally clear that we are strongly opposed to misogyny, and it is essential to acknowledge that those relationships were indeed toxic and volatile, and there is absolutely no excuse for such behavior," Khanna stated.
"I had a conversation with Graham, and he informed me that he was going through a very dark period in his life at that time, having recently returned from two tours of duty in Iraq as an infantryman, where he was exposed to
It can be observed that Democratic senators are evading the issue of whether they support Platner as the candidate from Maine, as a scandal surrounding him casts a cloud over the final days leading up to the primary election. However, Khanna pointed out that Platner had stated "he really grew as a person when he came back to Maine and he was an oyster farmer and he found peace and he is ashamed of that period," which suggests that Platner is taking responsibility for his past actions and has made significant improvements in his life. According to Khanna, this demonstration of accountability and personal growth is indicative of the kind of redemption that the country needs, and it is a quality that is essential for a public figure. Furthermore, Khanna expressed his agreement with many of Platner's economic policies, including the notion that billionaires should be taxed and that the focus should be on supporting the working class. Platner has been widely regarded as the likely Democratic nominee, particularly after two-term Governor Janet Mills,
Chuck Schumer and the Democratic Party establishment had previously dropped out of the race earlier this spring, a decision that was largely influenced by the fact that they were significantly trailing behind Platner in terms of both fundraising and polling results.
He is currently facing two long-shot rivals who are competing against him for the nomination in the primary election that is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, but it is worth noting that Mills' name still remains on the ballot, a fact that she herself highlighted during a recent interview, thereby bringing attention to her ongoing presence in the race.
A source who is part of Mills' wider political orbit recently confirmed to Fox News that the governor has been receiving numerous calls from various individuals who are urging her to reconsider her decision and get back into the race, primarily due to the controversies that have been surrounding Platner, although it is essential to note that there is currently no active campaign effort being made on behalf of Mills.
When Fox News reporters spoke with Maine voters ahead of the rally
Upon returning to Maine on Friday, following a hectic week on Capitol Hill where she achieved a significant milestone by casting her 10,000th consecutive vote in the Senate, Collins was approached by reporters who inquired about the recent allegations against Platner.
In response to the inquiries, Collins stated, "The allegations presented in the latest story are indeed troubling," and she further emphasized that "Graham Platner has a substantial number of questions that he needs to answer in light of these allegations."
THE TEN RACES THAT WILL DETERMINE THE SENATE'S MAJORITY
On February 10, 2026, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine participated in an interview with Fox News Digital, which took place in Washington, D.C. (Paul Steinhauser/Fox News)
Graham Platner is currently facing intense political backlash from various Republican groups, with a significant amount of criticism being directed towards him. A super PAC that is aligned with Collins has been actively targeting Platner, running
The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) has made a significant accusation against Graham Platner, labeling him as a "fraud" due to discrepancies in his public persona and actual background.
The NRSC elaborated on this claim by stating that Platner often talks about having a humble and modest upbringing in Maine, but in reality, his life has been quite different, as evidenced by his parents' decision to send him to an elite boarding school in Connecticut, and additionally, they even purchased a house for him.
Furthermore, the Republican National Committee (RNC) has also launched a critique of Platner, highlighting certain aspects of his past.
According to the RNC, Graham Platner has responded to criticism about his violent and erratic past by claiming that these incidents are being "weaponized" against him, whereas the RNC research team has pointed out that Platner once expressed a disturbing view, specifically stating that he would commit rape to demonstrate his dominance, and further emphasized that
It is essential for everyone to come together and understand that the primary objective is to defeat Susan Collins, and this is a goal that has brought together individuals ranging from Schumer to Sanders, as Khanna explained to Fox News Digital.
The Democratic candidate, Platner, has been able to attract significant crowds and has successfully built a substantial war chest for fundraising purposes, which has led Democrats to view Maine as a vital opportunity for them to gain a seat, as they strive to regain the majority in the Senate.
However, defeating Collins, who is considered a moderate and is currently running for her sixth term of six years in the Senate, and who has a record of voting against the agenda of President Donald Trump, is not expected to be a straightforward task.
Six years prior, public opinion polls had suggested that the senator was likely to face defeat, but Collins went on to defy these expectations and ultimately won re-election, securing a nine-point lead over the then-Democratic state House Speaker, Sara
DEMOCRACY ’26: STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FOX NEWS ELECTION HUB
The field of Democrats competing for their party's gubernatorial nomination in the election to succeed the term-limited Mills is both crowded and highly competitive, with numerous candidates vying for the top spot. On the Republican side, Bobby Charles, a former federal investigator with a notable background, is currently leading a group of nine candidates, which also includes Jonathan Bush, who is the nephew of the late President George H.W. Bush and is seeking to capitalize on his family's political legacy.
Additionally, significant attention is being focused on the Democratic primary taking place in the state's 2nd Congressional District, where candidates are competing to replace moderate Democratic Rep. Jared Golden, who made the announcement last year that he would not be seeking re-election, citing the increasing levels of political polarization as a major factor in his decision.
Republicans, who are striving to maintain their extremely narrow majority in the House, consider the largely rural district, which Trump won in the presidential elections of 2016, 2020, and 2024, as a prime opportunity to gain a seat. Former two-term Republican Governor Paul LePage is running unopposed for the Republican nomination, thereby solidifying his position as the party's candidate.
In the state of South Carolina, the focus is currently on the endorsement made by Trump. The president, approximately a week and a half ago, provided Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette with last-minute support as she endeavors to succeed a prominent Trump ally, term-limited Republican Governor Henry McMaster, who is unable to seek re-election due to term limits.
On July 14, 2025, South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette officially announced her candidacy for the Republican nomination for governor at an event held at The Smokestack at Judson Mill in South Carolina, marking a significant milestone in
Evette is currently competing in the GOP primary against several prominent opponents, including longtime South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, nationally recognized Rep. Nancy Mace, Rep. Ralph Norman, and multimillionaire businessman Rom Reddy.
Given that it is unlikely for any candidate to secure more than 50% of the primary vote and achieve a majority, the top two candidates will proceed to the June 23 Republican runoff, as per the primary rules.
The significant influence of the president's endorsement has been clearly demonstrated in recent GOP primaries, where his endorsed candidates have successfully defeated incumbents he targeted in high-profile contests in Indiana, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Texas, garnering substantial national attention in the process.
However, the president's recent last-minute endorsement of Republican Rep.
Randy Feenstra of Iowa, who received support on the same day that he also received backing for Evette, was not able to garner sufficient momentum to secure victory in the race to succeed retiring GOP Gov. Kim Reynolds.
The endorsement that Randy Feenstra received was not enough to propel the three-term congressman to victory, as he was narrowly defeated by Zach Lahn, a multifaceted individual who is a businessman, farmer, and former political strategist.
Zach Lahn had received backing from the political wings of MAHA, which stands for the Make America Healthy Again movement, an organization that is aligned with Trump Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as well as Turning Point USA, a powerful and influential conservative organization that was co-founded by the late Charlie Kirk.
In the South Carolina GOP gubernatorial primary, the major contenders had been emphasizing their support for Trump and his agenda for a long time, with the hope of securing his endorsement and backing, as they sought to
Following a period of neutrality that lasted for several months, Trump ultimately decided to endorse Evette, and in his official announcement, he praised her as an exemplary "America First Patriot" and a highly successful "WINNER".
In the aftermath of Trump's endorsement of Evette, Mace stated that her persistent and vocal efforts in the previous year to persuade the Justice Department to release the documents related to its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, likely played a significant role in the president's decision to support her opponent.
Rep. Nancy Mace, who represents the state of South Carolina, is currently competing for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, with the goal of succeeding term-limited GOP Gov. Henry McMaster in the upcoming election.
Mace expressed her thoughts on the matter, saying, "I am aware that I may have jeopardized the possibility of receiving an endorsement when I insisted on transparency regarding the Epstein files," and she further emphasized this point in a post on the social media platform X,
In a social media post, Trump expressed his endorsement of Evette and also stated that he anticipated Evette would select Henry McMaster Jr., the son of the governor, as her running mate for the position of lieutenant governor.
The president's comment sparked a significant reaction within South Carolina's political circles, leading to speculation and rumors that Governor McMaster, who took over the position after then-Gov. Nikki Haley resigned to serve as a U.N. ambassador during Trump's initial term in office and is currently in his 10th year of governing, was attempting to provide his son with a political advantage.
However, Governor McMaster denied the existence of any agreement or pressure, and Evette has publicly stated that she would not announce her choice of running mate until after the primary election has concluded, emphasizing her commitment to waiting until that time.
On Friday, the younger McMaster made the decision to remove his name from consideration, stating that it was "incredibly humbling" to be mentioned as a potential candidate for lieutenant governor, but he also emphasized that "now is simply not the right time" for him to pursue this opportunity.
To stay up-to-date with the latest news, CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP, which provides access to a wide range of information and updates.
The individual who emerges as the winner of the Republican gubernatorial nomination will be viewed as the clear frontrunner in the general election scheduled to take place in November in South Carolina, where they will have a significant advantage.
Several candidates are currently competing for their party's nomination, including State Rep. Jermaine Johnson, trial attorney and 2010 gubernatorial candidate William Mullins McLeod Jr., as well as businessman Billy Webster, who previously held the position of chief of staff to then-Democratic Gov. Richard Riley, and are now seeking
Lindsey Graham is emerging as the clear frontrunner in the Republican Senate primary, but he is encountering a more formidable challenge than anticipated from South Carolina businessman Mark Lynch, as the race has descended into a series of intense and personal attacks.
In the state of Nevada, incumbent Republican Governor Joe Lombardo is anticipated to successfully defend his position against a group of primary challengers as he pursues re-election, with his experience and current standing expected to give him an edge. On the Democratic side of the Nevada primary, Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford has established himself as the clear frontrunner, surpassing Washoe County Commissioner Alexis Hill in terms of support and momentum.
Meanwhile, in the solidly Republican state of North Dakota, a competitive primary is unfolding for the state's at-large congressional district, with several candidates vying for the Republican nomination, making it an intriguing contest to watch.
The contributions to this report were made by a team of journalists from Fox News Digital, including Alexis Mc
He travels extensively to cover the campaign trail, spanning the entire country from coast to coast, in order to provide comprehensive coverage of the latest developments.
To stay informed about the latest updates on the Trump administration and Congress, as well as gain access to exclusive interviews and a wide range of additional Fox News politics content, users can subscribe to receive the latest news and information.
By providing an email address and clicking on the Subscribe button, individuals agree to be bound by the terms and conditions outlined in the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, which includes consenting to receive various types of content and promotional communications directly from Fox News, with the understanding that they have the option to opt-out of these communications at any time.
Upon completing the subscription process, a confirmation message is displayed, indicating that the individual has successfully subscribed to the newsletter, confirming that they will now receive regular updates and information.
In BANGOR, Maine, a significant moment of reckoning has arrived for Graham Platner, the Democratic Senate candidate who has been embroiled in controversy and is seeking to unseat the long-serving Republican Sen. Susan Collins in a pivotal election that is among a select few which will ultimately decide whether the Republican Party retains its narrow majority in the Senate during the upcoming midterm elections.
Graham Platner, who works as an oyster farmer and is also a military combat veteran, has garnered the support of prominent progressive figures, including Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, and is now facing a multitude of controversies that have the potential to make his anticipated victory in the Democratic primary in Maine a great deal more intriguing than it was initially
At the same time, a week after President Donald Trump's winning streak in prominent Republican primaries came to an end, the significant influence that the president wields over his party is now being put to the test once again in the Republican gubernatorial nomination contest in South Carolina.
These two high-stakes elections will be the main focus of attention and will likely generate a substantial amount of national media coverage as Maine, South Carolina, Nevada, and North Dakota all hold their primary elections on Tuesday, thereby drawing considerable interest from across the country.
In a statement to his supporters, Graham Platner, who is running as a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, expressed his appreciation by saying, 'MAINE, YOU HAVE MY BACK', as he addressed a large gathering of people outside a campaign event that took place on Sunday, June 7, 2026, in Portland, Maine, an event that was attended by a significant number of individuals and was photographed by Robert F. Bukaty of the Associated
The controversies surrounding him encompass a range of incidents, including inflammatory online comments that he made on the social media platform Reddit, a highly publicized and now concealed tattoo on his chest that bore a resemblance to a Nazi symbol, recent revelations that he engaged in the exchange of sexually explicit messages with multiple women while he was married, and newly surfaced allegations from his ex-girlfriends last week, which detail a history of rape fantasies, excessive alcohol consumption, and violent outbursts. Platner has publicly denied the latest allegations of violence, characterizing them as untrue.
The plethora of negative headlines has prompted some members of the Democratic Party in the nation's capital to raise questions about whether Platner's reputation has been irreparably damaged, thereby rendering him unfit for his current role. Over the course of the past weekend, the candidate took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the voters in Maine for their continued support of him.
When the hurtful comments I had made on the internet a decade ago resurfaced and became public knowledge, as I openly shared my personal experiences and struggles with PTSD, as well as the challenging process of recovery, accountability, and growth, the state of Maine stood by me, Platner stated at a rally that took place on Friday in a location not far from his hometown in the Down East region of Maine.
Now, as every single aspect of my past and personal journey is being thoroughly examined, disputed, and exploited, I am grateful to know that I can rely on your support, and when I am faced with politically motivated, serious, and false accusations that are being made against me, I am confident that the people of Maine will continue to have my back.
VIEW IT: MAINE VOTERS EXPRESS THEIR OPINIONS ON THE CONTROVERSIES SURROUNDING GRAHAM PLATNER
At a rally in Bar Harbor, Maine, on June 5, 2026, Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner addressed his supporters, as seen in a photo taken by Paul Steinhauser for Fox News.
Graham Platner, the Democratic Senate candidate, has been open about his struggles with PTSD, which is short for post-traumatic stress disorder, a condition he developed as a result of his three tours of duty in the war in Iraq with the Marines, as well as his one tour with the Army National Guard in Afghanistan.
After his controversial Reddit posts garnered significant attention last fall, shortly after he initiated his Senate campaign, Platner issued an apology.
Additionally, Platner has provided an explanation for the skull and crossbones tattoo he got in 2007, stating that it occurred while he was socializing and drinking with fellow Marines
However, new allegations that have surfaced from an ex-girlfriend of Platner's have raised several questions regarding the accuracy of his timeline concerning his knowledge of the tattoo.
Rep. Ro Khanna, a prominent progressive leader from California who had organized Friday's rally in collaboration with Platner, was questioned by Fox News Digital about whether he has concerns that the current allegations, as well as any potential future allegations, could potentially damage Platner's campaign and hinder Democrats' chances of regaining control of the Senate.
"I am more concerned with making it unequivocally clear that we are strongly opposed to misogyny, and it is essential to acknowledge that those relationships were indeed toxic and volatile, and there is absolutely no excuse for such behavior," Khanna stated.
"I had a conversation with Graham, and he informed me that he was going through a very dark period in his life at that time, having recently returned from two tours of duty in Iraq as an infantryman, where he was exposed to
It can be observed that Democratic senators are evading the issue of whether they support Platner as the candidate from Maine, as a scandal surrounding him casts a cloud over the final days leading up to the primary election. However, Khanna pointed out that Platner had stated "he really grew as a person when he came back to Maine and he was an oyster farmer and he found peace and he is ashamed of that period," which suggests that Platner is taking responsibility for his past actions and has made significant improvements in his life. According to Khanna, this demonstration of accountability and personal growth is indicative of the kind of redemption that the country needs, and it is a quality that is essential for a public figure. Furthermore, Khanna expressed his agreement with many of Platner's economic policies, including the notion that billionaires should be taxed and that the focus should be on supporting the working class. Platner has been widely regarded as the likely Democratic nominee, particularly after two-term Governor Janet Mills,
Chuck Schumer and the Democratic Party establishment had previously dropped out of the race earlier this spring, a decision that was largely influenced by the fact that they were significantly trailing behind Platner in terms of both fundraising and polling results.
He is currently facing two long-shot rivals who are competing against him for the nomination in the primary election that is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, but it is worth noting that Mills' name still remains on the ballot, a fact that she herself highlighted during a recent interview, thereby bringing attention to her ongoing presence in the race.
A source who is part of Mills' wider political orbit recently confirmed to Fox News that the governor has been receiving numerous calls from various individuals who are urging her to reconsider her decision and get back into the race, primarily due to the controversies that have been surrounding Platner, although it is essential to note that there is currently no active campaign effort being made on behalf of Mills.
When Fox News reporters spoke with Maine voters ahead of the rally
Upon returning to Maine on Friday, following a hectic week on Capitol Hill where she achieved a significant milestone by casting her 10,000th consecutive vote in the Senate, Collins was approached by reporters who inquired about the recent allegations against Platner.
In response to the inquiries, Collins stated, "The allegations presented in the latest story are indeed troubling," and she further emphasized that "Graham Platner has a substantial number of questions that he needs to answer in light of these allegations."
THE TEN RACES THAT WILL DETERMINE THE SENATE'S MAJORITY
On February 10, 2026, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine participated in an interview with Fox News Digital, which took place in Washington, D.C. (Paul Steinhauser/Fox News)
Graham Platner is currently facing intense political backlash from various Republican groups, with a significant amount of criticism being directed towards him. A super PAC that is aligned with Collins has been actively targeting Platner, running
The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) has made a significant accusation against Graham Platner, labeling him as a "fraud" due to discrepancies in his public persona and actual background.
The NRSC elaborated on this claim by stating that Platner often talks about having a humble and modest upbringing in Maine, but in reality, his life has been quite different, as evidenced by his parents' decision to send him to an elite boarding school in Connecticut, and additionally, they even purchased a house for him.
Furthermore, the Republican National Committee (RNC) has also launched a critique of Platner, highlighting certain aspects of his past.
According to the RNC, Graham Platner has responded to criticism about his violent and erratic past by claiming that these incidents are being "weaponized" against him, whereas the RNC research team has pointed out that Platner once expressed a disturbing view, specifically stating that he would commit rape to demonstrate his dominance, and further emphasized that
It is essential for everyone to come together and understand that the primary objective is to defeat Susan Collins, and this is a goal that has brought together individuals ranging from Schumer to Sanders, as Khanna explained to Fox News Digital.
The Democratic candidate, Platner, has been able to attract significant crowds and has successfully built a substantial war chest for fundraising purposes, which has led Democrats to view Maine as a vital opportunity for them to gain a seat, as they strive to regain the majority in the Senate.
However, defeating Collins, who is considered a moderate and is currently running for her sixth term of six years in the Senate, and who has a record of voting against the agenda of President Donald Trump, is not expected to be a straightforward task.
Six years prior, public opinion polls had suggested that the senator was likely to face defeat, but Collins went on to defy these expectations and ultimately won re-election, securing a nine-point lead over the then-Democratic state House Speaker, Sara
DEMOCRACY ’26: STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FOX NEWS ELECTION HUB
The field of Democrats competing for their party's gubernatorial nomination in the election to succeed the term-limited Mills is both crowded and highly competitive, with numerous candidates vying for the top spot. On the Republican side, Bobby Charles, a former federal investigator with a notable background, is currently leading a group of nine candidates, which also includes Jonathan Bush, who is the nephew of the late President George H.W. Bush and is seeking to capitalize on his family's political legacy.
Additionally, significant attention is being focused on the Democratic primary taking place in the state's 2nd Congressional District, where candidates are competing to replace moderate Democratic Rep. Jared Golden, who made the announcement last year that he would not be seeking re-election, citing the increasing levels of political polarization as a major factor in his decision.
Republicans, who are striving to maintain their extremely narrow majority in the House, consider the largely rural district, which Trump won in the presidential elections of 2016, 2020, and 2024, as a prime opportunity to gain a seat. Former two-term Republican Governor Paul LePage is running unopposed for the Republican nomination, thereby solidifying his position as the party's candidate.
In the state of South Carolina, the focus is currently on the endorsement made by Trump. The president, approximately a week and a half ago, provided Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette with last-minute support as she endeavors to succeed a prominent Trump ally, term-limited Republican Governor Henry McMaster, who is unable to seek re-election due to term limits.
On July 14, 2025, South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette officially announced her candidacy for the Republican nomination for governor at an event held at The Smokestack at Judson Mill in South Carolina, marking a significant milestone in
Evette is currently competing in the GOP primary against several prominent opponents, including longtime South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, nationally recognized Rep. Nancy Mace, Rep. Ralph Norman, and multimillionaire businessman Rom Reddy.
Given that it is unlikely for any candidate to secure more than 50% of the primary vote and achieve a majority, the top two candidates will proceed to the June 23 Republican runoff, as per the primary rules.
The significant influence of the president's endorsement has been clearly demonstrated in recent GOP primaries, where his endorsed candidates have successfully defeated incumbents he targeted in high-profile contests in Indiana, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Texas, garnering substantial national attention in the process.
However, the president's recent last-minute endorsement of Republican Rep.
Randy Feenstra of Iowa, who received support on the same day that he also received backing for Evette, was not able to garner sufficient momentum to secure victory in the race to succeed retiring GOP Gov. Kim Reynolds.
The endorsement that Randy Feenstra received was not enough to propel the three-term congressman to victory, as he was narrowly defeated by Zach Lahn, a multifaceted individual who is a businessman, farmer, and former political strategist.
Zach Lahn had received backing from the political wings of MAHA, which stands for the Make America Healthy Again movement, an organization that is aligned with Trump Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as well as Turning Point USA, a powerful and influential conservative organization that was co-founded by the late Charlie Kirk.
In the South Carolina GOP gubernatorial primary, the major contenders had been emphasizing their support for Trump and his agenda for a long time, with the hope of securing his endorsement and backing, as they sought to
Following a period of neutrality that lasted for several months, Trump ultimately decided to endorse Evette, and in his official announcement, he praised her as an exemplary "America First Patriot" and a highly successful "WINNER".
In the aftermath of Trump's endorsement of Evette, Mace stated that her persistent and vocal efforts in the previous year to persuade the Justice Department to release the documents related to its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, likely played a significant role in the president's decision to support her opponent.
Rep. Nancy Mace, who represents the state of South Carolina, is currently competing for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, with the goal of succeeding term-limited GOP Gov. Henry McMaster in the upcoming election.
Mace expressed her thoughts on the matter, saying, "I am aware that I may have jeopardized the possibility of receiving an endorsement when I insisted on transparency regarding the Epstein files," and she further emphasized this point in a post on the social media platform X,
In a social media post, Trump expressed his endorsement of Evette and also stated that he anticipated Evette would select Henry McMaster Jr., the son of the governor, as her running mate for the position of lieutenant governor.
The president's comment sparked a significant reaction within South Carolina's political circles, leading to speculation and rumors that Governor McMaster, who took over the position after then-Gov. Nikki Haley resigned to serve as a U.N. ambassador during Trump's initial term in office and is currently in his 10th year of governing, was attempting to provide his son with a political advantage.
However, Governor McMaster denied the existence of any agreement or pressure, and Evette has publicly stated that she would not announce her choice of running mate until after the primary election has concluded, emphasizing her commitment to waiting until that time.
On Friday, the younger McMaster made the decision to remove his name from consideration, stating that it was "incredibly humbling" to be mentioned as a potential candidate for lieutenant governor, but he also emphasized that "now is simply not the right time" for him to pursue this opportunity.
To stay up-to-date with the latest news, CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP, which provides access to a wide range of information and updates.
The individual who emerges as the winner of the Republican gubernatorial nomination will be viewed as the clear frontrunner in the general election scheduled to take place in November in South Carolina, where they will have a significant advantage.
Several candidates are currently competing for their party's nomination, including State Rep. Jermaine Johnson, trial attorney and 2010 gubernatorial candidate William Mullins McLeod Jr., as well as businessman Billy Webster, who previously held the position of chief of staff to then-Democratic Gov. Richard Riley, and are now seeking
Lindsey Graham is emerging as the clear frontrunner in the Republican Senate primary, but he is encountering a more formidable challenge than anticipated from South Carolina businessman Mark Lynch, as the race has descended into a series of intense and personal attacks.
In the state of Nevada, incumbent Republican Governor Joe Lombardo is anticipated to successfully defend his position against a group of primary challengers as he pursues re-election, with his experience and current standing expected to give him an edge. On the Democratic side of the Nevada primary, Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford has established himself as the clear frontrunner, surpassing Washoe County Commissioner Alexis Hill in terms of support and momentum.
Meanwhile, in the solidly Republican state of North Dakota, a competitive primary is unfolding for the state's at-large congressional district, with several candidates vying for the Republican nomination, making it an intriguing contest to watch.
The contributions to this report were made by a team of journalists from Fox News Digital, including Alexis Mc
He travels extensively to cover the campaign trail, spanning the entire country from coast to coast, in order to provide comprehensive coverage of the latest developments.
To stay informed about the latest updates on the Trump administration and Congress, as well as gain access to exclusive interviews and a wide range of additional Fox News politics content, users can subscribe to receive the latest news and information.
By providing an email address and clicking on the Subscribe button, individuals agree to be bound by the terms and conditions outlined in the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, which includes consenting to receive various types of content and promotional communications directly from Fox News, with the understanding that they have the option to opt-out of these communications at any time.
Upon completing the subscription process, a confirmation message is displayed, indicating that the individual has successfully subscribed to the newsletter, confirming that they will now receive regular updates and information.
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