Why these 3 MAGA Republicans are backing far-right Freedom Caucus chair’s opponent

18 June 2024

In 2020, then-Rep. Denver Riggleman (R-Virginia) was voted out of office via an aggressive primary challenge from Bob Good, who now chairs the House Freedom Caucus and is seeking a third term. Good argued that Riggleman, a libertarian, wasn't far enough to the right — and he enjoyed strong support from Christian nationalists.

But four years later, Good is the one being attacked from the far right. And he won't make it to the general election if Virginia State Sen. John McGuire prevails in an aggressive GOP primary challenge.

Three prominent Republicans who have endorsed McGuire over Good are former President Donald Trump, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-California) and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Georgia).

In an article published by the conservative Washington Examiner on June 18, reporter Jack Birle explains why they are backing McGuire instead of the House Freedom Caucus chairman.

Trump, Birle notes, resents Good for endorsing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the 2024 GOP presidential primary. Although Good endorsed Trump after DeSantis exited the race, Trump continues to hold a grudge.

Endorsing McGuire on Truth Social on June 17, Trump wrote, "Bob Good is BAD FOR VIRGINIA, AND BAD FOR THE USA. He turned his back on our incredible movement, and was constantly attacking and fighting me until recently, when he gave a warm and 'loving' Endorsement — But really, it was too late. The damage had been done!"

McCarthy, meanwhile, hasn't forgotten that Good was among the eight House Republicans who voted to oust him as speaker in October 2023.

Greene, according to Birle, resents Good for a variety of reasons.

Birle explains, "Greene, a fierce ally of McCarthy and Trump, endorsed against Good in January. She cited Good's disloyalty to Trump, calling him a 'MAGA traitor.' Good also leads the House Freedom Caucus, which Greene was booted from last year, although Greene's ouster from the Caucus came prior to Good taking over as head."

In early June, Greene told WSET Channel 13 (an ABC affiliate in Virginia), "This is important to me because I've served with Bob Good for several years now, and I have found him to be untrustworthy. And I have found him to be a liar."

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