Primaries in Maine, New Mexico and California test party lines

Voters in at least three states cast ballots in June 2026 primaries that will shape Senate, governor and congressional contests this fall. The outcomes highlight Democratic internal divisions and Republican efforts to capitalize on them.

In New Mexico, former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland defeated Albuquerque-area prosecutor Sam Bregman for the Democratic nomination for governor, according to Washington Post reporting. Haaland, a member of the Laguna Pueblo tribe and the first Native American to serve in a presidential Cabinet, led in polls and name recognition. New Mexico relies on oil and gas revenue to fund universal child care, school lunches and free college tuition. Republicans conducted a three-way primary among former Rio Rancho mayor Gregg Hull, small-business owner Doug Turner and cannabis executive Duke Rodriguez.

Maine voters decided a Senate primary in which Democratic nominee Graham Platner, a 41-year-old oysterman and Marine veteran, advanced after Gov. Janet Mills suspended her campaign. Platner faces Republican Sen. Susan Collins, who last won by nine points in 2020. Recent polling showed Platner with a narrow lead that narrowed after reports of past online posts containing racist, sexist and homophobic language, a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, and allegations of abusive behavior in prior relationships. Platner denied the allegations as politically motivated. Maine election law permits the nominee to withdraw by July 13 and allows the party to select a replacement by July 27. The state’s second congressional district also held a competitive Democratic primary to replace retiring Rep. Jared Golden, with the winner facing former Gov. Paul LePage. Gubernatorial primaries occurred in both parties.

In California, the Los Angeles Times reported that state Sen. Scott Wiener finished first in the race for the San Francisco-area congressional seat long held by Nancy Pelosi. Progressive challengers in other districts, including Jake Levine against Rep. Brad Sherman and Mai Vang against Rep. Doris Matsui, tested the party’s established order. Former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra led the open gubernatorial primary. A separate Los Angeles Times account described a party-line Senate vote reconfirming five members of the state Board of Parole Hearings after Republicans objected to parole grants for sex offenders under the state’s elderly parole program.

Across the contests, Democratic voters selected nominees amid questions about candidate viability and party direction, while Republicans positioned themselves for general-election opportunities in states that have trended Democratic in recent cycles. Several races remain subject to final vote counts and potential withdrawals.