House Freedom Caucus chair Rep. Bob Good of Virginia was defeated in his bid for renomination after a six-week battle against challenger John McGuire, backed by former President Trump. McGuire emerged victorious in a recount, winning by a slim margin of 374 votes out of nearly 63,000 ballots cast.
This defeat marks the first time a House Republican incumbent has been ousted by a primary challenger this election cycle. The contentious intra-party battle highlighted divisions within the GOP, with conservatives facing off against each other and Trump endorsing McGuire over Good.
Good, who had previously endorsed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the GOP presidential primaries, drew Trump’s ire and was criticized for his actions. Despite quickly endorsing Trump after DeSantis dropped out of the race, the former president threw his support behind McGuire, who also had the backing of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.
The primary race in Virginia’s 5th Congressional District showcased the ongoing power struggle within the Republican Party, with Good receiving support from Reps. Matt Gaetz and Byron Donalds, while McGuire garnered endorsements from prominent Trump allies.
Despite the loss, Good remained steadfast in his support for Trump, wishing him a happy birthday on social media and attending his criminal trial in New York City earlier this year. The outcome of this primary race underscores the ongoing tensions and shifting dynamics within the GOP as the 2024 election season heats up.
