Former U.S. President Trump announced on Tuesday (May 28th) that he is endorsing Virginia State Senator John McGuire in the upcoming Republican primary election next month over incumbent U.S. Representative Bob Good.
Trump made the announcement on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating his support for McGuire to challenge Good in the primary on June 18th.
In his statement, the presumed Republican nominee for the 2024 presidential race criticized Good’s actions, mentioning that Good has been detrimental to Virginia and the United States. Trump expressed disappointment in Good’s recent endorsement, stating that it came too late and the damage has already been done.
Trump emphasized his commitment to making America great again and praised McGuire as a true American hero, citing McGuire’s frontline efforts against drug cartels and his dedication to putting America first.
Good was one of the few congressional members who initially supported Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the Republican presidential primary. However, after DeSantis withdrew from the race in late January, Good quickly pledged his support to Trump and vowed to assist the former President in returning to the White House.
As the chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, a group of more than forty conservative Republican members of Congress, Good has wielded significant influence over the policy direction of the House GOP, especially during the process of electing the Speaker of the House. The caucus has been instrumental in pressuring former Speaker Kevin McCarthy to agree to a crucial principle of allowing a floor vote if a motion to vacate the chair by a Republican member receives support. This rule led to McCarthy’s removal last October and a failed attempt to oust current Speaker Mike Johnson earlier this month.
Recently, Trump publicly supported House Speaker Johnson, further illustrating the divide within the Republican Party.
In the past few weeks, both Good and McGuire have been showcasing their support for Trump while also seeking the backing of the influential Republican figure. On May 16th, both candidates appeared at a New York courthouse during the trial related to hush money payments, standing in solidarity with the former President.
Good has not yet responded to Trump’s endorsement on Tuesday.
McGuire expressed gratitude for Trump’s support, asserting on social media, “We can do better than Good.”