In the recent Virginia primary election, Bob Good, the hardline leader of the House Freedom Caucus and Republican congressman, was defeated by Republican state senator John McGuire, who is backed by former President Trump.
After the Virginia State Board confirmed the primary results, Good immediately called for a recount. The results of the June 18 primary were announced today after two weeks, with the state election agency stating that former Navy SEAL John McGuire defeated Good with 50.3% of the votes, while Good received 49.7% of the votes.
McGuire led Good by less than 400 votes, and state law allows for a recount in elections where the winning margin is so close. According to a statement by Good’s campaign manager Diana Shores cited by Reuters, “We will request a recount to address any issues regarding the fairness and transparency of the election process.”
The final winner of the recount on November 5th is expected to easily secure the strongly Republican-leaning district in southern Virginia, making the control of the White House and both chambers of Congress a target of contention.
McGuire received support from Trump during the campaign and millions of dollars in support from external groups, including some affiliated with McCarthy. Good was one of the few congressman who supported Florida Governor Ron DeSantis during the Republican presidential primaries, but immediately switched to support Trump after DeSantis dropped out of the race in late January, angering Trump.
Good was also one of eight Republicans who voted to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy last October, which caused weeks of chaos in the House as Republicans tried to unite to find an alternative candidate, sparking anger among moderate Republicans.
Good may become the first incumbent Republican congressman in this election cycle to lose in the primary to a challenger.