Last February, Congresswoman Victoria Spartz reentered the race for Indiana’s 5th Congressional District; recently, the battle against her main rival, Chuck Goodrich, has been intensifying. The competition has quickly become heated with both candidates engaging in a war of words and attack ads, shedding light on their contrasting priorities and legislative records and often punching below the belt.
Goodrich, a state representative and CEO of Gaylor Electric, had been campaigning for nearly eight months when Spartz, citing renewed commitment, reversed her earlier decision not to seek reelection. This set the stage for a contentious showdown which has thus far focused on their differing views on U.S. aid to Ukraine and domestic policies.
Spartz, the only Ukrainian-born member of Congress, has faced scrutiny over her stance on U.S. aid to Ukraine. Despite initially supporting aid, she has recently voted against additional funding, aligning her stance with the fiscal conservatism of her constituents. “My responsibility is the protection of American people,” Spartz stated in a recent interview.
On the other hand, Goodrich has focused his campaign on strengthening U.S. border security, a critical issue for the district’s conservative base. “Every state is a border state,” he asserted.
The campaign has also been marked by accusations and counter-accusations. A Goodrich campaign ad accused Spartz of being the “number one worst boss in all of Congress,” a claim substantiated by high staff turnover rates reported by LegiStorm. Spartz retorted by accusing Goodrich of attempting to secure legislative benefits for his business through a work-based learning bill, though this claim lacks substantial evidence.
Political analyst Mike Murphy noted the shifting priorities among Republican voters, “Concern about the southern border is a greater catalyst for participation, which isn’t lost on candidates in the conservative district.”
The stakes are high as both candidates vie for the nomination in one of the most conservative districts in the state. Despite the challenges, Spartz retains the advantages of incumbency and a high profile, which could prove decisive.
With both campaigns gearing up for the final stretch, the primary is not just a contest between two candidates but a reflection of the broader ideological currents shaping Republican politics in Indiana and beyond.
