The race in Virginia's 5th Congressional District has become a nail-biter as Rep. Bob Good, a prominent conservative member of Congress, is fighting for his political life against primary challenger state Sen. John McGuire. Good, who chairs the House Freedom Caucus, is trailing McGuire by less than 350 votes in the GOP nomination race in the southern Virginia district.
The current margin is less than one percent, making the race eligible for a recount under Virginia law. Vote tabulation for the remaining uncounted ballots may not resume until Thursday due to the Juneteenth holiday observed in Virginia.
The primary battle has drawn significant attention, with a total of $14 million spent on the campaign. McGuire, a former Navy SEAL, emphasized the need for unity and bringing people together for a better future in his victory speech on Tuesday night.
Former President Trump and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy have thrown their support behind McGuire, while Good has garnered endorsements from Reps. Matt Gaetz and Byron Donalds, who are strong backers of Trump. Good, who faced criticism for endorsing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the GOP presidential primaries, has highlighted his support for Trump throughout his re-election campaign.
Despite the contentious intra-party dynamics and high-profile endorsements, Good remains optimistic and urged his supporters to continue fighting for what they believe in. The outcome of this closely watched race will have significant implications for the future of the conservative movement in Virginia's 5th Congressional District.