In a significant development for the Republican Party, a recount has confirmed that Virginia state Senator John McGuire has defeated incumbent Congressman Bob Good in a fiercely contested primary for Virginia's 5th Congressional District. The recount, conducted on Thursday, verified McGuire's victory by a narrow margin of 370 votes out of nearly 63,000 cast.
The recount, overseen by a three-judge panel, was the culmination of a tight race that initially saw McGuire ahead by 374 votes. Good, who has been a prominent member of the House Freedom Caucus and a vocal conservative, exercised his right to a recount due to the slim margin, which was just six-tenths of a percentage point.
Chief Judge Claude Worrell II announced the final result, stating, "Mr. McGuire received more votes than Mr. Good and is the winner of this election." The recount process lasted nearly 14 hours, concluding late Thursday night with the final ballots arriving at the courthouse around 9 p.m. McGuire, present at the courthouse, reiterated his confidence in the initial results, saying, "I don't mean to be disrespectful, but we won on June 18."
This outcome marks a significant shift within the GOP, particularly for the House Freedom Caucus, which has often been at odds with party leadership. Good, who played a role in the ousting of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, faced a challenge not just from McGuire but also from within his party. McGuire, a former Navy SEAL, had the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, who criticized Good as a "backstabber" after Good endorsed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the presidential race.
In response to the recount results, Good took to social media to express his gratitude and reflect on his tenure. "While I am disappointed in the ultimate outcome, it has been my distinct honor to serve as the congressional representative for Virginia's 5th District over the past 3.5 years," he wrote on Facebook. He outlined his legislative achievements and pledged to continue serving his constituents for the remainder of his term.
Good's defeat highlights the ongoing internal struggles within the Republican Party, especially among its more conservative factions. McGuire's victory, bolstered by Trump's endorsement, underscores the former president's enduring influence over the party's direction and candidate selection.
McGuire's next challenge will be the general election in November, where he will face Democrat Gloria Witt. The 5th District, which leans conservative, will likely see a vigorous campaign as both candidates vie for the seat.
The recount itself was a meticulous process, with Judge Worrell previously estimating it would cost $96,500, though he noted that amount could fluctuate. Good's campaign bore the financial burden of the recount, given that McGuire's margin of victory was greater than half a percentage point.
