Bob Good

Robert George Good is an American politician who served as the U.S. Representative for Virginia's 5th congressional district from 2021 until 2025. A member of the Republican Party, Good's political career includes a previous role as a member of the Campbell County Board of Supervisors and a position as an associate athletic director at Liberty University. He gained national attention during his tenure in Congress for his alignment with conservative values and for his involvement in significant political events, including the controversies surrounding the 2020 presidential election and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Early life and career

Bob Good was born on September 11, 1965, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He spent part of his childhood in North Jersey before relocating to Lynchburg, Virginia, at the age of nine. Good attended Liberty Christian Academy, where he was active in athletics, specifically as a member of the wrestling team. His passion for wrestling earned him a partial scholarship to Liberty University, where he pursued higher education. Good completed a Bachelor of Science in finance and later obtained a Master of Business Administration from the same institution.

Following his academic pursuits, Good embarked on a lengthy career with Citi Financial, where he worked for 17 years. His professional journey also included a role at Liberty University, where he served as an associate athletic director for development. His political career began to take shape when he was elected to the Campbell County Board of Supervisors, a position he held from 2016 to 2019. During his tenure on the Board, Good was known for advocating socially conservative policies, including votes against same-sex marriage and support for Second Amendment rights. He also took a stance on transgender issues, calling for restrictions on restroom use based on biological sex.

House tenure

Good's entry into the U.S. House of Representatives began with his election in 2020. He ran against incumbent Denver Riggleman in a Republican nominating convention for Virginia's 5th congressional district, where he secured victory with a significant majority of the delegate votes. His campaign was characterized by a strong conservative platform, emphasizing hard-line immigration policies, opposition to same-sex marriage, and alignment with then-President Donald Trump. Good's campaign also included calls for the repeal of the Affordable Care Act and opposition to mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the general election held on November 3, 2020, Good defeated Democratic nominee Cameron Webb, a physician, by a margin that reflected his strong support within the Republican base. His tenure in the House began amid the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic, and he quickly became a vocal figure in the political landscape.

Good's second term in Congress began in 2022 after he successfully defeated Democratic nominee Josh Throneburg. His re-election campaign continued to emphasize his conservative values and commitment to his constituents.

In the lead-up to the 2024 Republican Party presidential primaries, Good initially supported Ron DeSantis, whom he viewed as a more authentic conservative compared to Trump. However, as the political landscape shifted, Good later switched his endorsement to Trump after DeSantis withdrew from the race. This change in allegiance did not shield him from a primary challenge from state senator John McGuire, who was endorsed by Trump and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Good's primary election loss to McGuire in June 2024 was narrow, leading to a recount request that ultimately confirmed his defeat.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the House, Good was known for his alignment with the House Freedom Caucus, a group of conservative Republican members advocating for limited government and fiscal responsibility. In January 2024, he assumed the role of chair of the Freedom Caucus, a position that underscored his influence within the party's right wing. His leadership, however, was marked by internal party conflicts, particularly surrounding his support for the removal of Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House.

Good's legislative focus included issues central to conservative ideology, such as gun rights, healthcare reform, and immigration policy. He was a vocal opponent of the Affordable Care Act and took a strong stance against COVID-19 restrictions, which he referred to as unnecessary. His comments and actions during the pandemic, including participating in rallies and making statements questioning the severity of the virus, drew attention and controversy.

In addition to his legislative work, Good's tenure was marked by significant events, including his vote against certifying the election results for President Joe Biden and his opposition to a House bill awarding Congressional Gold Medals to law enforcement agencies involved in responding to the January 6 Capitol riots.

Good's time in Congress concluded on January 3, 2025, after two terms in office. His political career has been characterized by a commitment to conservative principles and a willingness to engage in contentious political debates. Following his departure from the House, Good's future political endeavors remain uncertain, but his tenure has left a notable mark on Virginia's political landscape.