Representative Bob Good of Virginia, who is the chairman of the ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus, is seeking funds for a recount in the recent Republican primary. His opponent, John J. McGuire, a state senator and former Navy SEAL, currently holds a slim lead of just under 375 votes out of nearly 63,000 votes cast.
McGuire, who is backed by former President Donald Trump and has declared victory, attended the “Stop the Steal” rally outside the White House on Jan. 6, 2021. Despite Trump’s endorsement and McGuire’s premature declaration of victory, The Associated Press has stated that the race is still too close to call.
Although it is uncommon for a recount to significantly alter the outcome of a race, Virginia law allows for a recount if the margin of victory is less than one percentage point. Good, trailing by 0.6 of a percentage point, would have to fund the recount himself, as it is just above the 0.5 percentage point difference that would qualify for state funding.
The situation has escalated into a battle between two election deniers, with both candidates digging in for a contentious fight over who is the rightful winner of the primary. Good has made it clear that he intends to request a recount, citing the history of small vote corrections in Virginia elections that have led to shifts in outcomes.
While McGuire remains confident in his victory and Trump has publicly endorsed him, the final result of the primary is still uncertain. The outcome of the recount could potentially change the course of the race, as historical data suggests that past statewide races in Virginia have shifted by hundreds of votes during recounts.
The rivalry between Good and McGuire is emblematic of the larger divide within the Republican Party, with Good representing the traditional conservative wing and McGuire aligning himself with the Trump-backed faction. The outcome of the recount will not only determine the winner of the primary but also shed light on the ongoing power struggles within the party.
As the battle for the Republican nomination in Virginia continues to unfold, the fate of Representative Bob Good and his quest for a recount hangs in the balance. Stay tuned for updates on this closely contested race that has captured the attention of political observers across the state.