Former President Trump’s Endorsement Sparks Tight Race in Virginia Primary Election

In a tight race during Virginia‘s primary election, incumbent Rep. Bob Good faced a strong challenge from Sen. John McGuire, endorsed by former President Donald Trump. With ballots yet to be fully counted, the outcome remained uncertain.

Good, chair of the House Freedom Caucus, sought a third term representing Virginia’s 5th Congressional District. McGuire, a former Navy SEAL supported by Trump, pushed the race to a narrow margin, potentially triggering a recount.

The candidates were neck-and-neck with McGuire holding a slight lead of 0.52 percentage points, out of over 62,495 ballots counted by midnight Wednesday. Despite McGuire declaring victory, the AP had not made an official call.

Good, acknowledging the remaining mail-in and provisional ballots, maintained his stance to ensure all votes were properly counted. The race intensified after Trump endorsed McGuire, criticizing Good’s past endorsement of Ron DeSantis for president before reverting back to Trump.

McGuire, buoyed by Trump’s endorsement, extended gratitude to the former president for his support during the campaign. A victory for McGuire would mark a significant upset for Good, the first House incumbent challenged in a primary this year.

Meanwhile, Democrats in Virginia selected nominees for the upcoming elections, with Gloria Tinsley Witt clinching the nomination to face off against the victor between Good and McGuire in the 5th Congressional District.

In a parallel Democratic contest, Eugene Vindman secured the nomination in the 7th Congressional District, a closely watched race where Vindman’s fundraising prowess and Trump impeachment history played key roles.

Additionally, Tim Kaine, the incumbent Democrat, awaits the challenge from Hung Cao, who emerged victorious in the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat in Virginia.