The tense Republican primary race in Virginia’s 5th Congressional District between Trump-backed candidate John McGuire and incumbent Rep. Bob Good was too close to call on Tuesday night, with only a half percentage point separating the two candidates. Despite having a slim lead, McGuire was at risk of Good requesting a recount if the margin remained as close as it was. The race continued to swing back and forth late into the night, causing nervous anticipation among McGuire’s supporters.
The campaign watch party for McGuire was held at The Virginian Hotel in Lynchburg and attended by around three dozen supporters. McGuire expressed confidence in his victory, telling his supporters that he would be an effective fighter in Congress if elected. Good, the incumbent representative, did not address the media or his supporters that night but released a statement thanking his supporters for their help in making the race competitive despite the opposition.
Former President Donald Trump had endorsed McGuire and campaigned against Good, calling the incumbent representative “bad for Virginia and bad for the USA.” Trump had warned Good to stop producing materials that falsely implied he had the former president’s endorsement. McGuire, a former Navy SEAL and staunch supporter of Israel, also received endorsements from the Republican Jewish Coalition and other notable Republicans, such as Kevin McCarthy and Marjorie Taylor Greene.
In a separate race, retired Navy Capt. Hung Cao won the Virginia Senate GOP primary and will face Sen. Tim Kaine in the general election. Cao, who received Trump’s endorsement, easily defeated his opponents in the primary. In the Democratic primary for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, Army veteran Eugene Vindman emerged as the frontrunner, while former Army Green Beret Derrick Anderson won the GOP primary. Vindman gained notoriety for his involvement in the impeachment proceedings against former President Trump.
The primary races in Virginia have drawn attention for their close margins and high stakes, with candidates vying for the opportunity to represent their respective districts. While McGuire and Good awaited the final results of their primary race, other candidates like Hung Cao and Eugene Vindman celebrated their victories and prepared for the general election. The outcome of these races will not only impact the representation of Virginia in Congress but also reflect the broader political landscape in the state during the upcoming elections.
