Kansas Upheld Abortion Rights And Other Key Updates From The Aug. 2 Elections

There are four primaries we’re watching in the Show Me State tonight:

• The biggest, of course, is the GOP primary for U.S. Senate. Former Gov. Eric Greitens is trying for a political comeback after resigning amid allegations that he sexually assaulted and blackmailed his ex-lover. However, he faces stiff competition from Attorney General Eric Schmitt and Rep. Vicky Hartzler. Schmitt has pulled ahead in the polls in recent weeks amid a barrage of spending supporting him and attacking Greitens and Hartzler.
• Hartzler’s deep-red 4th District is also hosting a free-for-all GOP primary since she’s seeking the Senate. Former local-news anchor Mark Alford has local name recognition, while former Boone County Clerk Taylor Burks has raised the most money. Meanwhile, tea-party groups are behind state Sen. Rick Brattin, who has been an anti-establishment conservative in the legislature and promises to fill the same role in Congress.
• The red 7th District is also open this year, and the GOP primary has mostly been a firefight between former state Sen. Jay Wasson and tea-party-aligned state Sen. Eric Burlison. However, state Sen. Mike Moon is also in contention and could sneak through.
• Finally, in the 1st District, progressive Democratic Rep. Cori Bush is facing a primary challenge from moderate state Sen. Steve Roberts. However, Roberts has been accused of rape and unwanted sexual touching, and limited polling has shown Bush way ahead.