Former President Donald Trump struck a deep blow to Rep. Bob Good’s reelection chances on Tuesday when he endorsed challenger John McGuire in the Virginia GOP primary, three weeks ahead of the contest.
Mr. Good, Virginia Republican, and his opponent, a state senator, are engaged in one of the most bitter Republican primaries in the country, filled with attack ads and Republican lawmakers picking sides.
The tension, in part, comes from Mr. Good’s previous endorsement of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, whom he said would be better suited for the White House because he could serve two full terms.
After Mr. DeSantis dropped out of the race, the House Freedom Caucus chair immediately pivoted to endorse the former president. But Mr. Trump said his change of position “was too late.”
“Bob Good is BAD FOR VIRGINIA, AND BAD FOR THE USA,” Mr. Trump said on Truth Social. “He turned his back on our incredible movement, and was constantly attacking and fighting me until recently, when he gave a warm and ‘loving’ Endorsement - But really, it was too late.”
Mr. Trump’s endorsement could further tip the scales in Mr. McGuire’s favor.
The state legislator has touted internal polling from GOP pollster Battleground Connect that showed 45% of voters in the district would support him, compared to 31% who said they would support Mr. Good.
“Thank you President Trump for endorsing my campaign for Congress,” Mr. McGuire said on X. “Together we will fight for We the People and Save America. We can do better than Good.”
Mr. Trump’s scathing takedown of the lawmaker comes after Mr. Good and Mr. McGuire both made the pilgrimage to the Manhattan courtroom where the former president’s hush money trial is taking place as a show of support.
Even though Mr. Good has sung the praises of Mr. Trump in recent months, the former president said it was not enough.
“The damage has been done! I just want to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, and the person that can most help me do that is Navy Seal and highly respected State Legislator, John McGuire, a true American Hero,” Mr. Trump said.
He continued, “John, who fought the Cartels on the Front Line, and then came home and fought the drug dealers in Virginia, will ALWAYS PUT AMERICA FIRST.”
The Washington Times reached out to Mr. Good’s campaign for comment.
The race between Mr. Good and Mr. McGuire has proven divisive within the House GOP. Mr. Good’s vote to boot former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy created enemies among his House Republican colleagues and caused some, like House Armed Services Chair Mike Rodgers of Alabama and Reps. Ryan Zinke of Montana and Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin, to support his opponent.
Mr. McCarthy’s replacement, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Louisiana Republican, has thrown his support behind the incumbent, despite him and the House Freedom Caucus playing the antagonist throughout his speakership. He has urged lawmakers to stop fighting one another during the pivotal primary season.
The lawmaker who led the ouster against Mr. McCarthy, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, is backing Mr. Good. Mr. Gaetz also just received a ringing endorsement from Mr. Trump.
• Alex Miller can be reached at amiller@washingtontimes.com.