U.S. Rep. Bob Good, R-Va., a prominent conservative member of Congress, has filed a petition for a recount following his narrow loss in a primary election last month to a challenger endorsed by former President Donald Trump. The recount petition was filed in Goochland County, located outside of Richmond, by the Good campaign. Good, who has represented the 5th Congressional District since 2021, had the option to file the petition in any courthouse within the district.
The state board of elections had declared state Sen. John McGuire the winner over Good in the primary, with a margin of victory of 374 votes out of nearly 63,000 ballots cast. As the margin was less than a percentage point, Good was entitled to seek a recount under state law. However, the campaign will be required to cover the costs of the recount, with the possibility of a refund if the results favor Good.
The Associated Press refrained from declaring a winner in the race due to Good's plans for a recount. Good had alleged voting irregularities in Lynchburg and other areas, but election officials maintain the accuracy of the count. If Good were to lose, he would be the first House incumbent nationally to lose a primary challenge this year.
Good, known for his staunchly conservative voting record and chairmanship of the House Freedom Caucus, faced backlash from Trump supporters after endorsing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over Trump in the GOP presidential contest. Trump endorsed McGuire, a former Navy SEAL and state senator, branding Good as a backstabber. Good also drew criticism from the Republican establishment for his attempts to remove House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, leading to negative ad campaigns against him.
The winner of the Republican primary will compete against Democrat Gloria Witt in November in a district that leans conservative. A preliminary hearing is expected to be scheduled by a Goochland County judge within the next seven days to establish recount procedures.
