The Republicans have a one-seat majority in the House under Speaker Mike Johnson. They are fighting together as a group to maintain the majority and also fighting among themselves. Most Republicans in the House know that unity is the key to retaining the House, regardless of which presidential candidate will win in 2024.
But not all Republicans are so passionate. Kevin McCarthy, the former Speaker of the House, and his allies spend a lot of money on removing those who removed him. Other groups are pursuing the “RINOs”, in an attempt to increase intra-party violence rather than winning.
The greatest threat to the party’s unity (at least in terms of its unity) may be the former president and presumptive candidate Donald Trump.
Trump has been vocal in his criticism of Republicans who he believes are not loyal enough, even going so far as to support primary challengers for some. Bob Good, chair of the Freedom Caucus in the House and the most conservative group is one of them.
Terrible news for Bob Good, the chairman of the House Freedom Caucus as Trump endorses his challenger, John McGuire: pic.twitter.com/a9WxqTGfdq
— Reese Gorman (@reesejgorman) May 28, 2024
Is Bob Good perfect? No. Is anybody? Also no. Can the Republicans afford bitter primary fights and divided voter bases in 2024? Again, and more emphatically, no.
The district is overwhelmingly Republican. Does it have a chance of going to the Democrats? Most likely not. The internal fighting has a high price. Bob Good’s supporters may decide to stay at home in November. Trump cannot afford to lose votes in Virginia, a state with a Republican Governor but still leaning to the left. Could Trump win? There’s a chance, given Biden’s struggles in the polls against Trump (the current average polling is not up to date, but Biden has a lead of about 4 points).
It’s not about Good losing his seat to the Democrats. It’s important to keep Republicans motivated. If Trump is unable to do this because he’s insecure about his loyalty, he may end up losing his party and his future administration the legislative support they need.
Good has probably made up his mind on this one. His own party members are on board to endorse his opponent. He has endorsed some of the opponents of his own colleagues. Then he turns around and demands that Johnson and his allies help him.
A Republican who was present at the conversation confirmed that Good had asked Johnson to prevent the Congressional Leadership Fund from spending money in his race. Another Republican working with the Congressional Leadership Fund, who was also allowed to speak openly and without fear of retribution, stated that there were no plans for the super PAC to spend money in Good’s race before Good made his private appeal.
Johnson said in a POLITICO interview last month that he will fight to reelect his incumbents, arguing that it is his job to “protect the whole flock.”
Johnson will not endorse Good according to a third Republican who has direct knowledge. The Republican cited Good’s endorsements of incumbent colleagues, despite Johnson’s repeated warnings about intra-party fighting. That includes Good’s backing of Derrick Evans, who participated in the Capitol riot and is mounting a primary challenge to Rep. Carol Miller (R-W.Va.).
Good, as I’ve said, is not perfect. He also deserves scorn because he promoted intra-party fighting during an election year. Trump is by far the most powerful Republican, so his support or criticism means much more.
