Quick Read
- Primary elections are underway in SC, NV, ME, and ND.
- South Carolina saw a record 320,000 early votes.
- Trump has issued key endorsements in SC and NV GOP primaries.
- Runoffs are possible in South Carolina races where no candidate hits 50%.
Election Overview and Turnout
Voters across South Carolina, Nevada, Maine, and North Dakota are casting ballots today, June 9, 2026, in a critical series of primary elections that will determine the candidates for the November midterms. According to the Associated Press and local election commissions, officials are currently tabulating results as polls close across these jurisdictions.
In South Carolina, the State Election Commission reported a surge in early voting, with approximately 320,000 ballots cast before the June 5 deadline. This figure significantly outpaces the 2024 and 2022 primary cycles, which saw 120,000 and 101,000 early ballots, respectively. Despite potential weather disruptions in the Upstate region, election officials are bracing for high Election Day turnout.
The Trump Factor in GOP Primaries
The influence of former President Donald Trump remains a central variable in Republican contests. In South Carolina, Trump recently participated in a joint telephone rally with Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Sen. Lindsey Graham, providing his “complete and total endorsement” to both. Similarly, in Nevada, Trump has endorsed candidates in five key races, including the gubernatorial bid of Joe Lombardo and three U.S. House contests.
In Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District, this endorsement has created a sharp divide between the party’s establishment—which backs former state Sen. James Settelmeyer—and the Trump-aligned wing, supporting retired Lt. Col. David Flippo. Analysts suggest that these races serve as a litmus test for the durability of the “MAGA” coalition in competitive districts.
Institutional Stakes
Beyond the executive and legislative races, local contests—such as the Reno mayoral race—are drawing significant attention. Nevada’s closed primary system limits participation to registered party members, a structure that emphasizes the importance of base mobilization. As results begin to trickle in, the threshold for victory remains critical: in South Carolina, any candidate failing to secure 50% of the vote will face a runoff, a scenario expected in several tight gubernatorial and legislative races.