After the 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Rep. Victoria Spartz (Ind.) emerged as a significant Republican voice regarding the conflict.
Being the first Ukrainian-born immigrant serving in the U.S. Congress, she passionately advocated for Ukraine's need for assistance and collaborated with President Biden to support the cause.
However, her commitment to her homeland has become a focal point for a well-funded primary challenger, underscoring the internal Republican divide that complicates House Speaker Mike Johnson's (R-La.) efforts to revisit Ukraine aid
Spartz's opponent, Chuck Goodrich, is running television ads accusing her of prioritizing aid to Ukraine over securing U.S. borders, branding her as putting "Ukraine first." Spartz denies this accusation.
The conflict comes ahead of Indiana's May 7 primary, where Spartz faces a crowded field of challengers after reversing her decision in February not to seek reelection. Goodrich, an Indiana state representative, has loaned his campaign $1 million and emerged as the top TV advertiser.
Goodrich's latest ad criticizes Spartz for sending "$40 billion of our tax dollars to Ukraine before the border wall is finished," referencing her vote for an aid package passed by the House in May 2022.
The ad also features images of Spartz with Biden in the Oval Office as he signed a bipartisan bill to expedite military aid to Ukraine.
Since then, Republicans have become more divided on the continuation of Ukraine aid, especially with calls to prioritize U.S. border security.
Spartz denounced Goodrich's ad in an email to supporters, calling him a "lying corrupt RINO" (Republican in Name Only).
She claimed to be the first to call for audits of Ukraine aid and pointed out that both the White House and the Ukrainian government criticized her positions on the war.
Spartz's campaign consultant, Dan Hazelwood, emphasized that her stance on "no blank checks, accountability, and defense of freedom" resonates with 80% of her district.
In response, Spartz's campaign launched a TV ad accusing Goodrich of prioritizing "China first."
The issue of Ukraine is personal for Spartz, who was born in Soviet-controlled Ukraine in 1978 and immigrated to the U.S. in 2000 after meeting her husband on a train in Europe.
Initially seen as a natural choice to lead the GOP response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Spartz has taken more complex positions on the war than other lawmakers.
Despite voting for the aid package in 2022, she criticized both Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, urging them to "stop playing politics."
This included a rare U.S. criticism of Zelensky at the time.
In an op-ed, Spartz criticized what she called the "false choice" of either giving Ukraine an "unlimited blank check" or being labeled "pro-Putin." Known for her unpredictability, Spartz has taken different positions, such as supporting Rep.
Kevin McCarthy during his 15-round speakership election in 2023, only to later criticize him as "weak" during a government shutdown debate.
Despite expressing discontent with the GOP conference, Spartz's colleagues were not surprised by her retirement announcement, which she later reversed.
Lawmakers feel she would not be missed, and GOP campaign strategists are letting the primary play out without interference, noting her difficulty in regaining support after Goodrich campaigned during her absence from the race.
Johnson aims to advance a new Ukraine aid package upon the House's return, despite facing opposition from the isolationist wing of his party.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) filed a motion to oust Johnson, citing skepticism of further Ukraine aid, while Rep.
Chip Roy (R-Tex.) warned of problems within the ranks and on Capitol Hill if a Ukraine bill is prioritized over securing the border.
Spartz represents Indiana's 5th Congressional District, which became a GOP stronghold starting with the 2022 election due to redistricting.
Despite announcing she would not seek reelection in February 2023 to spend more time with family, Spartz reversed course days before the filing deadline.
Goodrich has continued his campaign, airing increasingly negative ads against Spartz.
He argues that she has "failed us" by focusing on Europe's problems instead of building the wall and securing the border. Spartz's campaign contends that border security is also a priority for her, citing her opposition to a $1.2 trillion bill for not doing enough to secure the border.
While not shying away from Ukraine in her campaign, Spartz released an ad emphasizing her upbringing under socialist tyranny and her commitment to her constituents.