GOP Rep Changes Mind Over Running For Reelection

Representative Victoria Spartz (R-IN) has changed her mind and plans to run for re-election to represent Indiana’s 5th congressional district, after announcing her retirement from Congress last year.

After her current tenure concluded in February of last year, Spartz announced her intention to retire and spend more time with her family in Indiana. But Spartz declared her intention to run for reelection on Monday, February 5th. She announced it right before Friday, February 9th, the filing date in Indiana. Max Engling—a former House staffer—, Raju Chinthala—an Indiana businessman—and state Rep. Chuck Goodrich—are among the nine Republicans who have filed to challenge her. However, no Democrats have done so.

Spartz gained U.S. citizenship after migrating to the US in 2000 from Ukraine, where he was born. In the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, she has been a prominent Republican voice calling for increased American backing for the Ukrainian government. The representative from Indiana is serving her second term in office; she was initially elected in 2020 and re-elected the following year.

In an effort to combat the “failed leadership” in our present government, Spartz stated that her constituents have pushed her to seek re-election, which is why she is now reconsidering her earlier choice. She has worked hard on several critical topics and does not want them to be lost when she departs, she remarked. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Indiana if re-elected, using her experience in Ukraine as evidence that she understands the horrors of living under tyranny.

Elections in November will add at least three new House representatives from Indiana. Jim Banks, a representative from Indiana, is vying to succeed Sen. Mike Braun, who is running for governor of the state. This year, Republican representatives Larry Buschon and Greg Pence of Indiana will not be seeking re-election.