Maine votes as scandal-plagued Graham Platner seeks Democratic Senate primary win - US politics live

Key Points:

• Graham Platner, a Marine veteran and oysterman with a history of controversies including allegations of toxic behavior and a Nazi-linked tattoo, is seeking to advance in the Maine Democratic Senate primary despite criticism from former campaign staff and serious accusations from former girlfriends.
• Many Maine Democratic voters appear to support Platner, valuing his local roots and perceived personal growth, with some strategists noting that Mainers resist outside influence and favor candidates who reflect their lived experiences.
• A Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates strong partisan loyalty nationwide, with most voters willing to overlook serious controversies involving candidates like Platner or Texas Republican Ken Paxton to prevent the opposing party from winning.
• In Los Angeles, progressive city council member Nithya Raman has advanced to the November mayoral runoff against incumbent Karen Bass, overcoming a challenge from reality TV figure Spencer Pratt in a race marked by unexpected developments.
• Separately, hospitality workers at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles are threatening strikes ahead of the World Cup due to stalled contract negotiations, while former Epstein assistant Lesley Groff is testifying before Congress as part of ongoing investigations into Epstein’s activities.