President Donald Trump has endorsed John McGuire, the Republican challenger to two-term Virginia Congressman Bob Good, in a move that could significantly impact the GOP primary scheduled for June 18.
The endorsement of McGuire, a state senator, provides a substantial boost to his campaign and poses a challenge for Good, who chairs the House Freedom Caucus. The primary has attracted national attention and significant funding from various Republican-aligned groups.
Trump expressed his support for McGuire by stating, “He has my Complete and Total Endorsement! MAGA 2024,” while criticizing Good as detrimental to both Virginia and the USA. In his endorsement posted on Truth Social, Trump noted that Good had previously attacked him until recently offering a “warm and ‘loving’ Endorsement – But really, it was too late. The damage has been done.”
Both candidates have sought to align themselves with Trump in the predominantly Republican district. However, Good initially supported Ron DeSantis in the GOP presidential primary before switching his endorsement to Trump. McGuire has emphasized his consistent loyalty to Trump throughout the campaign to distinguish himself from Good, despite their similar political views.
“Thank you to President Donald J. Trump for endorsing my campaign for Congress!” McGuire said in a statement. “I’ve been with Trump since he came down the escalator, and when I’m in Congress, I’ll back his agenda and put America First!”
Good, known for his fiscal conservatism and advocacy for deep spending cuts, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. He was one of eight Republican lawmakers who voted with Democrats to remove then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Both Good and McGuire have shown their support for Trump by accompanying him in court as a sign of solidarity. McGuire reiterated Trump’s stance, stating, “Trump has recognized that I’m the 100% MAGA candidate in this race, and I appreciate it.”
The primary remains one of the most closely watched in the nation, with millions of dollars invested by various political groups, reflecting the high stakes and intense competition within the Republican Party.