The Republican primary race in Virginia’s 5th Congressional District between House Freedom Caucus Chairman Bob Good and state Sen. John McGuire was too close to call on Tuesday night. As of 11 p.m., 92% of the vote was called – with McGuire being up by just 300 votes. The race will now move to a recount for the GOP primary in the state’s reliably red 5th Congressional District, in the southern part of the commonwealth.
In a statement, Good thanked supporters for their volunteer efforts and criticized the “D.C. Swamp.” He mentioned that despite facing over $10 million in attack ads, their efforts made the race too close to call. Good emphasized the importance of not backing down from standing for what’s right and encouraged supporters to keep fighting.
The intra-party primary battle was fueled by former President Donald Trump’s involvement. Trump criticized Good for endorsing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for president in the past. Despite Good’s quick endorsement of Trump after DeSantis ended his White House bid, the former president endorsed McGuire last month. McGuire also had the backing of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, a strong Trump ally and vocal critic of Good.
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy also targeted Good, who was one of eight Republicans who voted to oust McCarthy from his leadership position. Despite facing backlash, Good received support from Reps. Matt Gaetz and Byron Donalds of Florida, as well as fellow House Freedom Caucus members Reps. Chip Roy of Texas and Andy Biggs of Arizona.
Good highlighted his support for Trump throughout his re-election campaign, including attending Trump’s criminal trial in New York City to show his support for the former president. The primary race in Virginia’s 5th Congressional District reflects the ongoing internal dynamics within the Republican Party and the influence of key figures like Trump and Greene.
As the recount process unfolds, the outcome of the primary race between Good and McGuire will have significant implications for the future direction of the Republican Party in Virginia and beyond. Stay tuned for more updates on this closely contested race and its broader implications for the GOP moving forward.