Washington — Rep. Victoria Spartz, an Indiana Republican and the first Ukrainian-born member of Congress, is facing a primary challenge for her seat on Tuesday.
Spartz was first elected in 2020 and reelected in 2022 by more than 20 points against a Democratic opponent. She announced in February of 2023 that she would not seek reelection, saying she needed to spend more time with her family, before reversed her decision a year later.
"As someone who grew up under tyranny, I understand the significance of these challenging times for our Republic, and if my fellow Hoosiers and God decide, I will be honored to continue fighting for them," Spartz said in a statement at the time.
But the initial bowing out seemed to prompt a handful of challengers to enter the race for Indiana's 5th Congressional District.
Spartz faces eight challengers in Tuesday's primary, with Indiana state Rep. Chuck Goodrich appearing to be her chief opposition, outraising Spartz by a wide margin after Spartz' late entry into the race. Goodrich criticized Spartz when she entered the race, saying the district "can't afford another two years of Victoria Spartz's flip-flopping and putting America last."
For Spartz, the upcoming primary will serve as a litmus test for her recent decision to oppose approximately $60 billion in foreign aid for Ukraine. Despite her previous support for aid to her homeland, Spartz shifted to a more conservative stance in April, calling for increased oversight of the funds.
This primary race may also reflect the sentiments of Republican voters towards aid for Ukraine on a larger scale. The issue has sparked division among congressional Republicans, leading to delays in providing assistance to the country in its conflict with Russia.
In addition to the primary, Indiana is witnessing a fiercely contested battle to succeed term-limited Gov. Eric Holcomb. Sen. Mike Braun, a Republican from Indiana, is currently seen as the frontrunner in the six-way GOP primary.
