The Virginia 5th District GOP congressional primary race is heating up as votes continue to be counted. Incumbent Rep. Bob Good is facing a tough challenge from Republican candidate John McGuire, a NAVY Seal who has the backing of former President Donald Trump. The latest results from the Virginia Department of Elections show McGuire leading Good by 330 votes.
Good, who was first elected in 2020, is not taking the results lightly. Speaking on Steve Bannon’s War Room podcast, Good expressed doubts about the canvassing process, claiming that his team was not informed about a counting process in one county that started two hours early. He has vowed to pursue a full recount and investigation process, stating that he has a large team of lawyers ready to handle the situation.
The canvassing process in Virginia is set to continue until Tuesday, June 25, with the State Board of Elections certifying the results on July 2. Candidates will then have until July 12 to submit a recount petition if they wish to challenge the results. Despite the race being too close to call, McGuire took to social media to thank his supporters and express confidence in his victory.
The Good vs. McGuire race has become one of the most contentious primaries in the 2024 election cycle. While primary challenges to incumbents are not uncommon, no current member of Congress had lost a primary this year before the Virginia results. The battle for the Fifth Congressional District in Virginia has exposed deep divisions within the Republican party, with external forces at play.
Nebraska GOP congressman Don Bacon criticized Good on social media, claiming that Good had done more to undermine and divide Republicans than any Democrat. Good’s endorsements and actions, including endorsing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the presidential race before switching back to Trump’s side, have alienated colleagues in Washington and Trump himself. This has made his chances for winning another term challenging, especially with Trump endorsing McGuire in the primary.
The tension between Good and McGuire highlights the power struggles within the Republican party and the influence of key figures like Trump. The outcome of this primary race could have far-reaching implications for the future of the GOP and its direction moving forward.
As the canvassing process continues and the potential for a recount looms, both candidates are gearing up for a prolonged battle. The fight for the Virginia 5th District seat is far from over, and the final results could have a significant impact on the political landscape in the region and beyond. Stay tuned for updates as the race unfolds and the candidates make their next moves in this high-stakes election showdown.
