Representative Bob Good, Republican of Virginia and the chairman of the ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus, was fighting on Thursday to hang onto his seat, as his primary race against a challenger backed by former President Donald J. Trump remained too close to call.
The contest between two election deniers, which has turned ugly and personal, was potentially headed for a recount that could drag on for weeks.
Mail-in votes were still being counted, and Mr. Good said he could still prevail.
Virginia does not have a requirement for an automatic recount, but if the winner is ahead by less than 1 percent, either candidate can request one.
It was a rare instance in which both candidates in a photo-finish race had promoted the lie that Mr. Trump won the 2020 presidential election, raising questions about whether either would accept an adverse outcome in his own contest.
Persons:
Bob Good, Donald J, Trump, John J, McGuire, Good, Mr, Kevin McCarthy
Organizations:
Republican, Caucus, Navy, Mr, Associated Press . Mail, Trump
Locations:
Virginia