Indiana Rep. Victoria Spartz Shifts Course; Will Seek Reelection This Year

Rep. Victoria Spartz (IN-05) has will run for reelection this year after all. The decision comes almost exactly a year after the two-term Republican became one of the first incumbents this cycle to announce her retirement.

As Fox News notes, "The announcement puts a damper on campaign plans of the nine Republicans who have filed to run for her seat. Spartz is barely meeting Indiana's filing deadline, which requires candidates to submit paperwork by [February 9]."  However, it doesn't look like those other candidates are backing off; some have launched attacks on the incumbent.

The statewide primary is May 7.

Indiana's 5th district is in the central part of the state, extending from the northern part of the Indianapolis area. It is one of seven GOP-held districts in the state and, like all the others, it is safe for the party. Spartz was reelected by a 22% margin in 2022.

House Retirements

40 current House members  - 23 Democrats and 17 Republicans - are retiring or seeking another office this year. This includes three of Spartz's Indiana GOP colleagues: Jim Banks (IN-03), Larry Bucshon (IN-08), and Greg Pence (IN-06). Banks is expected to be the GOP nominee for U.S. Senate; incumbent Sen. Mike Braun is retiring to run for governor.