5th District Rep. Victoria Spartz reverses decision, says she will run for reelection

U.S. Representative Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.) has reversed her decision not to run for another term in Congress.  The Republican legislator now joins a crowded field of candidates vying for the seat.

Spartz announced last year that she would not seek reelection in Indiana’s 5th District saying she wanted to spend more time with her family.

Now the Ukrainian-born congresswoman says after talking to constituents and considering the current political environment, she feels her work is not done.

In a statement Spartz said, “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.

At least nine Republicans have filed for the safely red seat with the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office as of Monday.  The deadline to file for Indiana’s ballot is February 9 at noon.

Two of those Republicans has announced they are staying in the 5th District primary race.

Rep. Chuck Goodrich (R-Noblesville) said,“The 5th District can’t afford another two years of Victoria Spartz’s flip-flopping and putting America last. With woke insanity, a broken border, and out of control spending driving inflation, I will always put the people of this district first and never waiver on my conservative principles.”

Fellow Republican Max Engling said, “Congresswoman Spartz’s well-documented history of waffling on the issues and reelection campaign leaves Indiana families without a principled voice in Congress. Decisive conservative leadership means standing your ground when it comes to reducing the debt, fighting for Indiana families, and getting America back on track. I’m in this race to win and the Congresswoman’s latest announcement makes me more committed than ever to stay in this race, trust the Lord, and fight for family-first policies.”

Spartz was first elected to the 5th District that covers parts of Hamilton, Delaware and Madison counties in 2020.  Before that, Spartz served in the Indiana Senate. Last year before her announcement not to run for “any office,” Spartz was seen as a potential candidate for the U.S. Senate seat that will be vacated by U.S. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) when he runs for governor.

Indiana’s primary elections are on May 7.

Indiana Capital Chronicle contributed to this story.