He promised to start an honest conversation about race and how to heal the lingering wounds of Virginia’s painful past. Then he disappeared.

Virginia’s Democrats struggled to find their way out of three interlocking political crises Thursday that could bring down the party’s top elected officials and put a Republican in the governor’s chair.

One of the busiest days on the Virginia legislature’s calendar began under a cloud of suspense Tuesday as Gov. Ralph Northam weighed whether he can continue in the job amid the fallout over a racist photo on his 1984 medical school yearbook page.

Ed Gillespie squeaked by Corey Stewart for the Republican nomination for governor of Virginia while Ralph Northam had an easier path to the Democratic nomination, defeating Tom Perriello.

Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell testified Friday about asking Jonnie Williams for a $20,000 loan two months after borrowing $50,000.