Former President Trump has endorsed a primary challenger against Freedom Caucus Chair Bob Good (R-Va.). Trump’s endorsement of John McGuire, a Virginia state senator and Navy Seal, comes after Good initially endorsed Governor Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) for president in 2024. Good was one of the few representatives to initially oppose Trump, but later endorsed him after DeSantis exited the race. Trump criticized Good’s support for DeSantis and his vote against aid for Israel.
Trump’s endorsement of McGuire is a significant blow to Good, who faces a real risk of losing his party’s nod in the state’s June primary. McGuire has also scored the endorsement of an influential GOP group, the Republican Jewish Coalition. The organization specifically pointed to Good’s vote against aid for Israel as it has waged its war on Hamas.
This is not the only friendly fire Good must contend with in the lead-up to his election. After he opted to back the primary challenger against his colleague, Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), the fellow Republican hinted that he would campaign against Good on his home turf in Virginia.
“I plan to spend a lot of time in Virginia and some of these other places. So, I think my race is only the beginning, right? You can send everything you got at me. You’re never going to beat me, right? You’re just not,” Gonzales told a news outlet in response to Good’s endorsement of his challenger.
Good’s primary challenge is a sign of the deep divisions within the Republican Party. Trump’s continued influence over the party is evident, and his endorsement of McGuire is a blow to Good and his allies. It remains to be seen whether Good can overcome these challenges and win re-election, but the race is sure to be closely watched as a test of Trump’s power within the GOP.
