Out of more than dozen candidates vying to replace the retiring US Representative Susan Brooks in the 5th District, two have been chosen by Hoosier voters for the fall election.

On the Republican side, state Senator Victoria Spartz of Noblesville defeated more than 14 other candidates.  Despite serving in the Indiana General Assembly, Spartz was a first-time candidate.  She was chosen by GOP activists to complete a retired senator’s term two years ago.

In a statement, she says her victory proves that “the American Dream is alive and well, and voters want a representative who will defend it.”

On the Democratic side, former state Representative Christina Hale emerged victorious.  Hale’s name might be familiar to voters – she was the 2016 Democratic lieutenant governor nominee, running with John Gregg.

In a statement, Hale says America’s divide and the global health crisis “underscore how important elected leadership is to our nation and to this district.”

The 5th District seat is one of two “open” Congressional seats in Indiana this year.  Long-time 1st District Congressman Democrat Pete Visclosky is also retiring after this Congressional session.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.