Matt Gaetz endorses Bob Good's reelection bid in a break from Trump

Trump endorsed McGuire last week, after criticizing Good who Trump said had supported him "too late." Good originally backed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for the Republican nomination for president.

By Misty Severi

Published: June 5, 2024 9:47pm

Florida GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz endorsed fellow Republican Rep. Bob Good in his reelection bid in Virginia late Tuesday night, putting him at odds with former President Donald Trump, over his endorsement of Good's challenger John McGuire.

Trump endorsed McGuire last week, after criticizing Good who Trump said had supported him "too late." Good originally backed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for the Republican nomination for president.

Gaetz told his followers on X to "vote for Bob Good," as part of a repost of another "MAGA Republican" who called for support of Good over McGuire.

"I speak for all of MAGA when I say, we don't want another McCarthy plant in Congress," the other user posted last week. "We want Bob Good, one of the best legislators doing the people's work in that disgusting swamp."

Trump criticized Good last week, claiming the lawmaker was "bad for Virginia, bad for the USA." He also slammed Good for implying that he had Trump's support, despite Trump's endorsement of his opponent. Good was also sent a cease and desist letter by Trump's lawyers last week. Trump did endorse Good in 2022.

“[Good] turned his back on our incredible movement, and was constantly attacking and fighting me until recently, when he gave a warm and ‘loving’ Endorsement," Trump posted to his social media platform Truth Social last week. "But really, it was too late. The damage had been done! I just want to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, and the person that can most help me do that is Navy Seal and highly respected State Legislator, John McGuire, a true American Hero."

Trump ally Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican, has also slammed Good as a "liar," and endorsed McGuire. She even attended an event with McGuire on Wednesday.

"Bob Good is a backstabber and a liar. He’s placing signs all over VA-05 to give the false impression that President Trump has endorsed him," Greene posted to X. "That’s a LIE! [John McGuire] is the ONLY Trump-endorsed candidate for Congress in VA-05!"