Bob Good requests recount after narrow loss in GOP congressional primary in Virginia

In a bid to challenge the results of a closely contested Republican primary, Virginia Congressman Bob Good has filed a petition for a recount after state election officials declared him narrowly defeated by a challenger endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Good, known as one of Congress' most conservative members, expressed gratitude for the support received for the recount process, emphasizing his commitment to serving constituents and advocating for reduced spending, secure borders, and constitutional freedoms. The state board of elections had announced state Sen. John McGuire as the victor over Good in the 5th Congressional District primary due to a margin of victory less than a percentage point, granting Good the right to request a recount as per state law. However, Good's campaign will bear the costs of the recount since the margin exceeds half a percentage point. Despite Good's claims of voting irregularities in certain areas, election officials maintain confidence in the accuracy of the results. Having served in Congress since 2021, Good's decision to pursue a recount marks a significant move, as losing the primary would make him the first House incumbent nationally to face such a defeat this year. Good's actions have also led to friction with the Republican establishment, particularly for his attempts to remove House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, prompting a political action committee to launch a substantial ad campaign against him. McGuire's campaign consultant, Sean Brown, dismissed Good's recount efforts, asserting that the outcome remains unchanged: more voters supported McGuire over Good, regardless of recount attempts. The recount petition was filed by the Good campaign in Goochland County outside of Richmond, clarifying an earlier error in reporting regarding the jurisdiction for filing. As the recount process unfolds, the political landscape in Virginia's 5th Congressional District remains tense, with Good's challenge setting the stage for a potentially precedent-setting outcome in the realm of primary challenges within the House of Representatives.