Republican Jewish Coalition backs primary challenge to Virginia Rep. Bob Good

A major Republican Jewish group became the latest notable organization to back a primary challenge to Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.). 

The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) announced Monday that it was backing state Sen. John McGuire (R) in the GOP congressional primary for Virginia’s 5th Congressional District, citing Good’s vote Saturday against a foreign aid package that included money for Ukraine, Israel and humanitarian aid for Gaza. 

“This past week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed emergency aid funding for our key security partners, including urgently needed military assistance for our beleaguered ally Israel. Congressman Bob Good (VA-05) shamefully voted against this critical support for the Jewish state, abandoning Israel as it continues to fight for its very survival after the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust,” Republican Jewish Coalition CEO Matt Brooks said in a statemet. 

“This vote showed who Israel’s true friends are, and exposed those like Congressman Bob Good who are not,” he added. 

The House voted Saturday to send a foreign aid package to the Senate for consideration, which gives about $61 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel and $8 billion in the Indo-Pacific. Within the $26 billion allocated for Israel, close to $9.2 billion has been reserved for Gaza humanitarian assistance.  

Good said in a statement Saturday that he would not be supporting the legislation because aid for Israel “was included in $95 billion of additional, unpaid for, spending” but argued his support for Israel’s right to defend itself was “unshakeable.”

“In addition to $60 billion for Ukraine, this foreign aid spending includes $9 billion for Gaza that will inevitably fund Hamas terrorists,” Good claimed.  

“Rather than saddling American taxpayers with the bill, the Senate should have taken up the $14.2 billion paid-for Israel bill five months ago to help our ally,” he added, noting America’s debt.

The RJC is not the only high-profile Republican group to oppose Good. Republican Main Street Partnership is also looking to oust the Virginia Republican.  

Good’s district went for former President Trump by more than 8 points in 2020. The primary for Good’s seat is June 18.