(New York) — Donald Trump wants local voters to primary their Congressman.
In a post on his Truth Social platform Tuesday, the former Republican President endorsed John McGuire, a primary challenger to Fifth District Congressman Bob Good.
McGuire is a first-term state Senator from suburban Richmond. Good beat former Congressman Denver Riggleman in a GOP primary in 2020 and has served two terms in Washington.
Earlier this year, Good endorsed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the race for the Republican Presidential nomination. He immediately switched to Trump once DeSantis dropped out of the race.
Trump pulled no punches Tuesday in his endorsement of McGuire. He said Good is “Bad For Virginia, And Bad For The USA.” He says Good turned his back on his “movement.” And he said Good’s subsequent endorsement was “too late.”
Trump’s presence had already been felt in the Congressional race. In February, a viral video showed Good being kicked out of the grand opening of a Trump store in Farmville operated by former Appomattox Republican Chair Karen Angulo. She invited McGuire to the event. Good showed up and Angulo confronted him. Good left the store without further incident.
Two weeks ago, Good attended Trump’s trial in New York to show his support for the former President. Several Republican lawmakers and national figures have shown up outside the courthouse to offer public comments backing Trump and vilifying his prosecution.
Good responded to the Trump endorsement Tuesday afternoon. He said the voters of the Fifth District will be the ones ultimately deciding who wins the primary.
“I have never been the choice of political power brokers in Washington. The people of Virginia’s 5th District know me better than anyone, and I trust them,” Good said. “I believe they will renominate me on June 18, because they understand and appreciate that I have fought for them during my 3 years in Washington.”
Good chairs the House Freedom Caucus, and was seen as a driving force in this year’s move to oust former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
The Fifth District Republican Congressional primary is set for June 18th. Early voting is already underway.