WASHINGTON – The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) is actively involved in a contentious congressional primary race in Virginia’s fifth district, endorsing State Senator John McGuire over the incumbent Bob Good. This endorsement comes amid the candidates’ differing stances on the crucial issue of US aid to Israel. The district, which includes central Virginia and Charlottesville, is set to hold its primary on Tuesday.
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The RJC’s endorsement represents a notable departure from its more typical support for moderate Republicans. In past elections, the coalition has backed moderates against far-right candidates it labels as extremists, such as Georgia’s Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. However, in the battle between Good and McGuire, both candidates are situated firmly on the conservative end of the spectrum. Good, a leader of the hardline Republican Freedom Caucus in the House, voted against certifying President Joe Biden’s victory on January 6, 2021, the day of the Capitol riot. McGuire, in contrast, participated in the rally that preceded the riot but did not enter the Capitol.
The RJC’s support for McGuire emphasizes one of its top priorities this election cycle: unwavering support for Israel. In an interview, RJC Director Matt Brooks clarified that their decision was not influenced by the events of January 6. Instead, he noted McGuire’s records in the Virginia legislature as a team player who would support Republican legislative priorities. Brooks asserted, ‘McGuire’s going to be a powerful voice, a consistent voice for support for Israel.’
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Financial disclosures reveal a tight race between McGuire and Good, with McGuire raising $1.2 million compared to Good’s $1.1 million. The contest has drawn national attention due in part to Good’s alienation of some prominent Republicans. Former President Donald Trump endorsed McGuire after Good backed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the presidential primaries. McGuire has also garnered support from former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who was ousted partly due to Good’s efforts.
Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics, pointed out that the Good-McGuire race exemplifies newer internal tensions within the GOP. Rather than ideological divides between moderates and hardliners, this race focuses on closer ties to Trump. ‘Republicans are often trying to pledge their loyalty to Donald Trump,’ Kondik explained. ‘In this instance, the challenger is closer to Trump than Bob Good is, even though Good by any metric is very conservative.’
The RJC’s concern, however, lies in the increasingly prevalent opposition within the party to aid for Israel. Historically, opposition within the GOP on such matters was rare, with only Kentucky’s Thomas Massie consistently voting against Israel-related bills. Yet this year, Good led efforts that saw 14 and then 21 Republicans vote against aid to Israel. Even after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, the growing number of ‘no’ votes set off alarms within the Jewish Republican community.
In April, the RJC formally endorsed McGuire, largely centering its announcement on Good’s record of voting against US support for Israel. The coalition noted that Good opposed bills that included critical funding for joint US-Israel defense programs like Iron Dome. Good has argued that while he supports funding Israel’s defense, it should come with offsets to ensure fiscal responsibility, a significant departure from the longstanding practice of foreign assistance without such offsets.
Brooks acknowledged the risks involved in opposing a prominent group like the Freedom Caucus. ‘For somebody to stand up on the floor of the United States Congress and vote no on critical aid to Israel at a consequential moment in history, it goes against our values and goes against who we are,’ he said. ‘If we alienate other members of the Freedom Caucus, so be it – perhaps that’ll encourage them to be more aware and to do better on these votes going forward.’
The RJC’s opposition to Good is not unprecedented. In 2020, the coalition backed incumbent Rep. Denver Riggleman over Good. Riggleman, who presided over a same-sex wedding, lost to Good, who also champions election denialism. Riggleman subsequently advised Jewish groups on extremism linked to the Capitol riot and worked with the House committee investigating January 6.
As the primary approaches, the RJC’s endorsement of McGuire underscores a broader battle within the Republican Party, highlighting the complex interplay between support for Israel, fiscal conservatism, and loyalty to Trump. The outcome of this primary could signal the direction the GOP takes on these critical issues.
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