The 2024 election in Indiana is heating up, with Ukrainian-born congresswoman Victoria Spartz facing stiff competition in the Republican primary. Spartz, who previously supported aid to Ukraine, has come under fire for voting against a $61 billion aid package for her home country. Defending her decision as a loyalty to America first, Spartz’s stance has divided Republican voters in her district and raised questions about the importance of support for Ukraine within the party. If she loses, Spartz would be the first House Republican to lose a primary this year without redistricting playing a role.
Spartz’s political career has seen many twists, including a last-minute decision to seek re-election after initially planning to leave Congress. Her main competitor in the primary, state Rep. Chuck Goodrich, has outraised her by millions of dollars, setting up a potentially close race. Meanwhile, on the national stage, former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden are vying to secure more delegates heading into their party conventions. Trump’s strong showing in Indiana in 2020 indicates a likely victory in the state, but the presence of former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley on the primary ballot adds an element of uncertainty.
Indiana voters do not have the option to vote “uncommitted,” raising concerns about Democratic support for President Biden in November. The most intense battle within the state is the six-way race to replace term-limited Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb. Mike Braun, Trump-endorsed and well-funded, is favored to win the gubernatorial race. Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch has campaigned on a platform of reducing the state’s income tax, while former commerce secretaries Brad Chambers and Eric Doden are also in the running. Former Attorney General Curtis Hill, once a likely contender for governor, has struggled to gain traction. On the Democratic side, gubernatorial candidate Jennifer McCormick is running unopposed.
As the primary date approaches, the race in Indiana is attracting national attention for its potential impact on the 2024 election landscape. The outcome of the primary could indicate the level of GOP support for Ukraine and influence policy decisions in Washington. With Spartz defending her seat against strong competition and several high-profile races within the state, Indiana voters will play a crucial role in shaping the political future of their state and the nation as a whole.
