WASHINGTON — Primary elections in multiple states this month have provided early signals on candidate strength and voter turnout as both major parties prepare for the 2026 midterm elections in November.
Voters in states including Maine, South Carolina, Nevada and North Dakota cast ballots in primaries on or around June 9, with additional contests held earlier in the year, according to election officials and news reports.
In South Carolina’s Senate Republican primary, incumbent Sen. Lindsey Graham advanced with about 56.8 percent of the vote, results showed. In Maine’s Democratic Senate primary, Graham Platner secured the nomination with roughly 71.9 percent.
Republicans currently hold majorities in both chambers of Congress, with a 53-45 edge in the Senate, where two independents caucus with Democrats, and a narrow advantage in the House, according to Ballotpedia. Democrats would need net gains of four seats in the Senate and a larger shift in the House to take control.
Several incumbents from both parties have opted not to seek re-election or faced primary challenges. As of recent tallies, a small number of incumbents in congressional races lost their primary bids, reflecting internal party dynamics.
In Texas, earlier primary and runoff contests featured competitive races, including a Republican Senate contest between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton. Such matchups have drawn attention to divisions within the Republican Party.
Democrats have pointed to strong turnout in some primaries as evidence of engagement ahead of the general election. Republicans have highlighted successes in advancing preferred candidates in key races.
"The results show our party is unified and ready to build on our successes," a Republican official said in a statement following recent primaries, according to reports. Details on specific Democratic responses remained limited in immediate coverage.
Primaries have also occurred in states such as California on June 2, with vote counting continuing in some areas. Broader patterns, including the impact of redistricting in certain states, are expected to influence the general election landscape.
The full schedule of primaries continues through the summer, with the general election set for Nov. 3. Additional results from upcoming contests will offer further indications of party prospects.
