He is choosing to endorse the opponent.
Former President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind state Sen. John McGuire, who is challenging House Freedom Caucus Chairman Bob Good in the upcoming primary for Virginia’s 5th District. Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to endorse McGuire, citing Good’s previous criticisms of him and his late endorsement of Trump in January. Trump asserted that Good had “turned his back on our incredible movement” and emphasized his desire to “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.”
McGuire welcomed Trump’s endorsement, expressing gratitude and asserting that they can achieve better results than Good. Both McGuire and Good had been vying for Trump’s endorsement, with both making appearances in New York City to support Trump during his ongoing trial.
Trump’s endorsement holds significant weight in GOP primaries, given the loyalty of the Republican base to the former president. However, some lawmakers have overcome Trump-backed challengers in the past, illustrating a dynamic within the party. Notably, Good himself defeated former GOP Rep. Denver Riggleman in 2020, despite Riggleman having Trump’s endorsement.
The primary in Virginia’s 5th District has garnered considerable attention and outside spending, with Republican groups investing heavily in ads. Good has also faced criticism from fellow Republicans for his vote to remove former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy last year.
