As Rep. Bob Good of Virginia faces a primary challenge supported by former President Trump, the Republican Party is witnessing an intense intra-party battle in Virginia’s 5th Congressional District. This race, one of the highlights of the primary elections in Virginia and Oklahoma, has put Good against Trump and some of his biggest allies in the House of Representatives.
Good, the House Freedom Caucus chair, has drawn Trump’s ire for endorsing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the GOP presidential primaries, leading to Trump endorsing Good’s primary challenger, John McGuire, a Virginia state senator and former Navy SEAL. McGuire also has the support of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who is known for her conservative views and close ties to Trump.
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is also targeting Good due to his involvement in ousting McCarthy from his leadership position. Despite facing opposition, Good has received support from Reps. Matt Gaetz and Byron Donalds, strong Trump supporters, as well as fellow House Freedom Caucus members, Reps. Chip Roy and Andy Biggs.
Good, emphasizing his support for Trump, has actively shown his loyalty by celebrating Trump’s birthday on social media and attending his criminal trial in New York City. In the Virginia Republican Senate primary, Trump is supporting Navy veteran Hung Cao, while Good and other GOP members of Congress endorse Scott Parkinson.
In Oklahoma, the primary race to watch is in the 4th Congressional District, where Rep. Tom Cole faces a challenge from businessman Paul Bondar. Cole, backed by Trump, is up against Bondar, a first-time candidate with a significant financial backing. With three other candidates in the primary, a runoff may be possible if no one secures over 50% of the votes.
The high-stakes primary elections in Virginia and Oklahoma reflect the ongoing power struggles within the Republican Party, with candidates aligning themselves with or against Trump to secure victory. These races will not only shape the future of the party but also have broader implications for the political landscape in the United States.