Former Rep. John Hostettler, a Republican candidate in Indiana’s 8th Congressional District, is facing off against state Sen. Mark Messmer in a contentious primary race. Pro-Israel groups have heavily outspent Hostettler, accusing him of antisemitism due to his record on Israel and comments about Jewish policymakers. The Republican Jewish Coalition and American Israel Public Affairs Committee have spent millions attacking Hostettler, with the aim of ensuring candidates aligned with their pro-Israel mission are elected to Congress. Hostettler, a paleoconservative, has questioned Israel supporters’ loyalty to the U.S. and believed proponents of the Iraq War promoted Israel’s interests over those of the U.S.
The primary race in Indiana’s 8th District has turned into a proxy war over foreign policy, beyond just individual candidates’ views on Israel. Hostettler and Messmer both emphasize their commitment to ending illegal immigration and completing Trump’s border wall. The American Leadership PAC has supported Hostettler, criticizing foreign aid to countries like Ukraine, while Messmer has the backing of pro-Israel groups and the super PAC America Leads Action. Outside spending is heavily influencing the race, with political action committees attacking Hostettler’s views on Israel and questioning his loyalty to the U.S.
Hostettler’s antiglobalist views and anti-interventionism align him with a growing faction within the Republican Party that sees these stances as essential components of being a Trump-aligned, “America First” Republican. The idea of isolationism on the American right has its roots in the past but has gained renewed attention in recent years, especially in opposition to U.S. involvement in foreign wars. Hostettler represents a tradition of paleoconservatism that questions the U.S.’s entanglements abroad and emphasizes a focus on national interests over global engagements.
The attack ads against Hostettler in the primary race have highlighted his record on Israel, foreign aid spending, and his opposition to the Iraq War. His comments about Jewish policymakers and the influence of Israel have drawn criticism and accusations of antisemitism. Hostettler’s defiance against the well-funded attacks reflects his commitment to his anti-interventionist views and skepticism of U.S. involvement in overseas conflicts. The race in Indiana’s 8th District is not just about charges of antisemitism but also about a broader debate within the Republican Party over foreign policy and America’s role on the global stage.
Past figures like Pat Buchanan have advocated for a more cautious approach to U.S. foreign policy and questioned unconditional support for Israel. Hostettler, along with other paleoconservatives, represents a dissenting voice within the GOP on issues related to Israel, foreign aid, and military interventions. Trump’s presidency brought these views back into focus within the Republican Party, challenging the dominance of neoconservatives and emphasizing a more America-centric worldview. Hostettler’s positions on foreign policy have garnered both support and criticism, reflecting ongoing debates within the GOP over the direction of U.S. foreign relations.
The primary race in Indiana’s 8th District highlights the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party over issues of foreign policy, Israel, and adherence to a more isolationist or anti-interventionist stance. Hostettler’s views, while attracting support from some conservative groups, have also drawn intense criticism from pro-Israel organizations and other outside spenders. The outcome of this race will have implications for the future direction of the GOP and its approach to global affairs, reflecting broader ideological shifts within the party and the ongoing debate over America’s role in the world.
