In a shocking turn of events, GOP Rep. Don Bacon is facing backlash from the far-right of his party as they actively campaign against him in his upcoming primary election. House Freedom Caucus Chairman Bob Good of Virginia has thrown his support behind Bacon’s GOP rival, prompting Bacon to retaliate by supporting Good’s opponent for the first time in his career.
The House GOP has descended into chaos with members openly campaigning against each other, hurling insults, and blaming each other for failures to enact a conservative agenda. In Texas, Rep. Tony Gonzales is fighting off a challenger backed by Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida and Good. In South Carolina, the House Freedom Caucus is rallying around a challenger to Rep. William Timmons. In Virginia, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy is supporting a Republican challenger against Good.
The internal feuds within the GOP highlight the divide between members willing to compromise for bipartisan deals and hardliners who view compromise as a betrayal of conservative values. These primary races will shape the future of the House Republican Conference and their agenda moving forward.
Bacon’s primary race is crucial as his swing seat could impact the balance of power in November. Both Democratic and GOP groups have poured millions into the race, with Bacon facing criticism for his stance on issues like same-sex marriage and DACA.
Despite the attacks, Bacon remains steadfast in defending his record and criticizing his colleagues for undermining the norms of the House. The ongoing internal battles within the GOP showcase the deep divisions within the party and the struggle for control over its direction.