Nevada governor; former Clark County sheriff; Republican
Graham Platner has won the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate in Maine despite weeks of damaging reporting about sexually explicit messages, a chest tattoo linked to Nazi imagery and accounts from former partners describing volatile behavior. Platner has held to the campaign, high-profile Democrats have continued to back him, and he will face Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November.
In Nevada, Republicans have nominated David Flippo in the 2nd District GOP primary, a Trump-backed candidate seeking to challenge Gov. Joe Lombardo. Democrats have nominated Teresa Benitez-Thompson for the 2nd District. The results shape the 2026 general election landscape as parties race to mobilize in a volatile state with high costs and significant voter interest.
Democrat Graham Platner has clinched the Maine Senate nomination amid a wave of scandals linked to past behavior and posts. Some Democrats argue voters care about issues and elect candidates who energize the base, while others caution against dismissing misconduct. The race now moves to a general election against Republican incumbent Susan Collins.
Recent reporting shows Donald Trump has publicly labeled Democrats and candidates allied with democratic socialism as “communists,” arguing this stance threatens religion and the American way of life. He cites New York primary victories by Mamdani-backed progressives as evidence of a leftward shift, while analysts warn the tactic risks conflating democratic socialism with communism.
Police body camera footage shows Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo being pulled over in Las Vegas for a red light violation but not receiving a ticket. The incident lasted about 15 seconds; the governor and his wife were en route to the airport. The Las Vegas police say no citation was issued, with campaign remarks praising the officer’s professionalism.
Australian man Phu Nguyen was detained briefly by apparent ICE agents at Las Vegas airport; authorities say the arrest did not proceed and Nguyen was later arrested elsewhere. US and Australian officials are calling for transparency and accountability as investigations unfold.
Trump has visited California to headline a Republican National Committee dinner, touting his economic record and contrasting it with California leadership. He is also set to travel to Nevada to deliver remarks on the economy, while opponents argue over inflation, crime and minimum wage policies. The trip underscores a broader national debate about economic performance ahead of the 2026 midterms.
The Hawk Fire has expanded to threaten Reno and nearby communities, triggering the GO NOW evacuation zone and threatening thousands of homes. Authorities have mobilized state and local responders, and urged immediate evacuation as winds drive rapid spread.
The Hawk Fire has forced about 90,000 residents to evacuate around Reno, Nevada. Officials say the blaze is human-caused, with zero containment as shifting winds threaten neighborhoods and the fire has already destroyed homes. Schools are closed and residents face ongoing uncertainty as firefighters work to control hotspots.
The race for the Texas Senate seat is tightening. Paxton has secured the GOP nomination and is pursuing funding from Trump's MAGA network to fend off a strong Democratic challenger backed by polls and internal data. Other races show Trump’s endorsements affecting outcomes and the broader GOP landscape as Republicans weigh fundraising and support strategies.