John McGuire Triumphs Over Bob Good in Tight Virginia Primary Recount

Virginia state Sen. John McGuire, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, narrowly defeated conservative US Rep. Bob Good in a recount of the Republican primary results for Virginia's 5th Congressional District. McGuire won by 374 votes out of nearly 63,000 cast. The election was contentious as Good endorsed Ron DeSantis, prompting Trump's support for McGuire.

Virginia state Sen. John McGuire, a former Navy SEAL endorsed by former President Donald Trump, has emerged victorious over conservative US Rep. Bob Good in a closely contested recount of the Republican primary results in Virginia's 5th Congressional District.

McGuire narrowly defeated Good, known for his chairmanship of the hard-right House Freedom Caucus, by a margin of 374 votes out of nearly 63,000 cast. Election officials had previously certified the narrow victory, which stood at just six-tenths of a percentage point, entitling Good to a recount.

Good, a Congressman since 2021 and one of eight Republicans who voted to oust GOP Rep. Kevin McCarthy as speaker, faced backlash from former President Trump after endorsing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the GOP presidential race. In response, Trump labeled Good a backstabber and shifted his support to McGuire.

A three-judge panel, including Chief Judge Claude Worrell II, oversaw the recount process, initially estimating costs at USD 96,500. McGuire is now set to challenge Democrat Gloria Witt in the November general election in a district that leans conservative.

(With inputs from agencies.)