Graham Platner and big races for governor: What to watch in Tuesday’s primaries

Four states vote Tuesday, with Maine’s key Senate race capturing the most national attention and Trump picking sides in South Carolina’s race for governor.

Two free-for-all primaries for governor in Maine and South Carolina are the most competitive races on the ballot in Tuesday’s primaries, while Maine’s Senate race has captured national attention as voters head to the polls in those states, as well as Nevada and North Dakota.

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Maine Democrat Graham Platner isn’t facing much of a challenge on the Senate ballot, but how he weathers a slew of controversies looms over one of the most competitive races in the battle for the Senate. While Democratic Gov. Janet Mills is still on the ballot, she suspended her bid weeks ago after she struggled to gain traction and ran out of money, and Platner is expected to prevail.

Meanwhile, open races for governor are on tap in South Carolina and Maine, and both parties will choose nominees in a handful of key battleground House districts, as well as in safe seats where Tuesday’s primaries will all but cement the winners in the fall.