Voters in Maine, South Carolina, North Dakota, and Nevada are heading to the polls on Tuesday for party primaries that will determine the candidates for the November midterm elections. The results will shape the battle for control of Congress, where Republicans currently hold slim majorities in both chambers.

Maine has emerged as a key battleground, with Democrats eyeing the seat of Republican Senator Susan Collins. The party's leading candidate, Graham Platner, an oyster farmer and former Marine, has energized progressives with his support for universal healthcare and ending US aid to Israel. However, his campaign has been marred by allegations of inappropriate behavior toward women, including an incident where he allegedly twisted a partner's arm. Platner denies the claims and has removed a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol.

In Nevada, a deeply purple state where 45% of voters are independents, closed primaries will test party strength. Governor Joe Lombardo, a Republican, faces a crowded field but is expected to win easily. The secretary of state race features Republican candidates who have echoed Trump's unfounded election fraud claims, while Democratic incumbent Francisco Aguilar runs unopposed.

South Carolina's primaries include a safe seat for 85-year-old Democratic Representative Jim Clyburn, while Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a vocal supporter of the US-Israel war on Iran, is expected to prevail. The governor's race is tight, with Trump-endorsed Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette facing stiff competition from Attorney General Alan Wilson and Congresswoman Nancy Mace.

North Dakota, a Republican stronghold with a single congressional district, is unlikely to produce surprises. Incumbent Representative Julie Fedorchak is favored to win the Republican primary, while Democrat Trygve Hammer runs unopposed.

Source: www.aljazeera.com