While the district is still a place where a generic Republican would be favored over a generic Democrat, there are several factors that could make the 5th more competitive, said Stephen J. Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington. “If Republicans renominate Congressman Good, that has the potential to alienate more moderate Republicans. And Andy Parker, if he is the Democratic nominee, would have an important interesting story to tell about public service,” Farnsworth said.
