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We’re a few months away from the 5th District Congressional primary and local officials are starting to choose sides. The latest example of that came on Tuesday, Feb. 27, as Buckingham County Sheriff Billy Kidd endorsed John McGuire. 

McGuire, the newly re-elected 10th District representative in the Virginia State Senate, announced back in November that he was challenging incumbent Bob Good in the 5th District Republican primary. 

Kidd, who has served in his current role since 2007, said he came out in support of McGuire because he trusts him. 

“John and I have worked together over the last two years to protect our community and I know that he’ll have our back in Congress,” Kidd said. “John has successfully passed legislation to support law enforcement and as a Navy SEAL we know he understands what it takes to keep America safe.”

By an overwhelming majority, Republicans in State Senate District 10 made McGuire the District 10 party nominee back in June 2023. In a field of four Republicans, McGuire took 63% of the vote. 

If you’re wondering what District 10 is, well, that’s because it’s brand new. Drawn up as part of the latest round of redistricting, it covers at least parts of 11 counties. That includes portions of Hanover, Louisa, Prince Edward and Henrico counties, to go with all of Buckingham, Cumberland, Amelia, Appomattox, Fluvanna, Goochland and Powhatan. Residents in those counties then went to the polls on Nov. 7 and elected him to office here. 

More about 5th District candidate

Prior to running for State Senate, the former Navy SEAL served in Virginia’s House of Delegates, representing District 56. In his campaign statement, McGuire said since winning the nomination back in June, he’s been asked repeatedly to challenge Good. 

McGuire said he appreciated Kidd’s support. 

“I’m honored to have the support and endorsement of a very respected member of the Buckingham County law enforcement family,” McGuire said. “We would not have a country without our men and women who keep us safe.”

The announcement Tuesday marks the third endorsement for McGuire this week. Former Speaker of the U.S. House Newt Gingrich and current Chairman of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee Mike Rogers also came out in support of the challenger.