Trump-backed McGuire's victory certified in Virginia; Good wants recount

(The Center Square) – John McGuire’s congressional Republican primary victory against incumbent Rep. Bob Good has been certified by the Virginia State Board of Elections.

Good, chairman of the Freedom Caucus in the House of Representatives, says he'll ask for a recount.

McGuire is ahead of Good by 374 votes – 50.3%-49.7% – in the 5th Congressional District. McGuire, who has touted his victory since the close race on June 18, took another victory lap Tuesday, reaffirming the certification.

“Number one, I want to thank God. We could not have done this without my wife Tracy, our incredible team, and of course President Trump! This is the honor of a lifetime,” McGuire posted on social media, with a picture of him and former President Donald Trump under the caption, “Election Certified!”

“This is the honor of a lifetime. I look forward to continuing our fight for Virginia families every day in Congress. I humbly ask for your support in November, both for my campaign and for President Donald J. Trump. Without Trump and a Republican Congress, we will lose our great country," he added.

Good has raised concerns about election “irregularities” and has already called for a recount, as allowed because the difference is less than 1%. However, since the margin is greater than 0.5%, the congressman will be on the hook to fund the recount. On his campaign website, Good is seeking money to fund the recount.

Good appeared on a podcast last month with Steve Bannon, suggesting there had been some issues with evacuations due to fire alarms at three precincts in Albermarle and Hanover counties and the city of Lynchburg.

Despite Good’s refusal to concede, several GOP political leaders have congratulated McGuire on his victory, including Republican Party Chairman Rich Anderson, who last month said the race had “concluded.”

However, Anderson says he respects Good’s “right” to request a recount following the certification.

“Given the margin, Congressman Good has the right – after the State Board of Elections certifies this result on July 2nd – to request a recount of the election. As Americans, we should respect his right to do so,” said the chairman.

Good had yet to comment on the certification at the time of publication.