Former President Donald Trump all but ended the re-election hopes of embattled House Freedom Caucus chair Bob Good (R-VA) with an endorsement of his primary opponent John McGuire, a former Navy SEAL and state legislator who was present at the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
It's a humiliating blow to Good, a far-right lawmaker who just this month schlepped to New York City to stand in front of the Manhattan courthouse where Trump is being criminally tried and attack the family of the judge. And it leaves him with few remaining allies after he was refused assistance in his primary by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), who ironically came to power in part because Good joined a handful of renegade Republicans to oust his predecessor Kevin McCarthy.
Several commenters on social media had a field day with the news.
"Massive news in the VA-5 GOP primary," wrote Virginia-based political analyst Sam Shirazi on X. "Trump endorses State Senator John McGuire challenging incumbent Rep. Bob Good; This might be the nail in the coffin for Good who initially endorsed DeSantis over Trump; Hard not to see McGuire as favorite now."
"Bob Good went all the way up to Trump’s trial in NYC to sycophant for him," wrote former GOP strategist turned anti-MAGA operative Ron Filipkowski. "He just received his reward this morning."
"Two weeks ago Bob Good traveled to NYC to pay homage to DJT at his criminal trial. It was pathetic and embarrassing," wrote Florida-based commentator Peter Heinlein. "DJT Today "Bob Good is BAD FOR VIRGINIA, AND BAD FOR THE USA" in a message endorsing Good's primary challenger. Good humiliated himself for nothing."
Many conservative Republicans, too, had nothing but contempt for Good over his situation.
"I’m very pleased with Pres Trump’s endorsement of great patriot John McGuire and denouncement of back stabbing traitor Bob Good!" wrote Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA).
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"Bob Good endorsed against Trump the day Trump was indicted in NY and then ran back and endorsed Trump the day his candidate dropped out. John McGuire never wavered and that’s what we need in Washington, those who never waver in the face of Democrat’s politically weaponized government and tyranny."
"Unfiltered Boss," a self-described "disgruntled Republican" and supporter of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, took the other view: "Trump welcomes neocon Nicki Haley back with open arms and says she will absolutely be part of his team but Bob Good who has a 100% liberty score betrayed the movement and must be primaried by a RINO. Things like this is why I will continue to call out this establishment con-man since no one in Conservative media has the balls to do it."
