Republican U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz has reversed her decision from a year ago and announced on Monday her intention to seek re-election for Indiana’s 5th Congressional District. Spartz had previously stated in February of the previous year that she would not be running in 2024, citing a desire to spend more time with her family. However, the two-term congresswoman now asserts that she is compelled to continue her work in the Capitol due to what she perceives as failed leadership in Washington, D.C., and the pressing issues facing the nation.
In a statement released on Monday, Spartz remarked, “Looking where we are today, and urged by many of my constituents, I do not believe I would be able to deliver this Congress, with the current failed leadership in Washington, D.C., on the important issues for our nation that I have worked very hard on.”
Spartz, who was born in Ukraine, faced a closely contested and costly race when she initially won in 2020 but secured the suburban seat in 2022 with 61% of the vote following a Republican redistricting plan. Reflecting on her background, she emphasized, “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.”
This decision by Spartz injects dynamism into the congressional race, where at least nine Republicans have already filed with the Secretary of State to contend for her seat. As of the latest updates, no Democrats have submitted filings, according to public postings from the Secretary of State’s office.
Indiana’s congressional delegation is poised for change, with at least three new members expected following the upcoming fall elections. Earlier in January, Republican U.S. Reps. Larry Bucshon and Greg Pence, brother of former Vice President Mike Pence, both declared their choice to forgo re-election in 2024. Additionally, U.S. Rep. Jim Banks is pursuing Indiana’s U.S. Senate seat, left vacant by GOP Sen. Mike Braun, who is vying for the position of Indiana governor.
The deadline for candidates to file to appear on the primary ballot in Indiana is Friday at noon.
