Voters in Indiana are gearing up for state and congressional primaries, with the majority of the action expected to take place in GOP races. Winners of the open Republican primaries for governor and Senate are likely to secure those offices in the November general election. The primaries also feature open contests in three strongly Republican House seats, with one Republican congresswoman facing a challenge from the right, including criticism for her support of aid for Ukraine. Indiana has only one competitive House race in the general election, with three Republicans vying to take on Democratic Rep. Frank Mrvan. Polls will close at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. ET across the state.
In one GOP primary race, Rep. Victoria Spartz faces a challenge from state Rep. Chuck Goodrich, who has self-funded his campaign and criticized Spartz for her stance on Ukraine aid, claiming she does not fully support Trump’s “America first” agenda. Spartz, who was born in Ukraine, has been a vocal advocate for aid to the country but has also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and opposed recent aid packages. The race could serve as an early test for how divisions over Ukraine aid are playing out in GOP primaries.
Former President Trump has endorsed candidates in the two key GOP primaries for Senate and governor in Indiana. Trump is supporting Sen. Mike Braun for governor and Rep. Jim Banks for Senate. The races have seen significant spending on ads, with candidates and outside groups engaging in a heated battle on the airwaves. Banks is running unopposed in the Senate primary after a challenger was kicked off the ballot. The elections will test the impact of Trump’s endorsement in Indiana.
Two former Indiana House members are attempting comebacks to Congress in deeply Republican districts but are facing opposition from outside groups. Marlin Stutzman, running in the 3rd District, and John Hostettler, running in the 8th District, have drawn criticism from various organizations, including the Club for Growth Action and the Republican Jewish Coalition. Both candidates are facing well-funded opponents and attacks from conservative groups as they seek to return to Congress.
In Indiana’s 8th District, several Republicans are vying to replace retiring Rep. Larry Bucshon, with former Rep. John Hostettler facing criticism from pro-Israel groups and opposition from America Leads Action. Other top fundraisers in the race include state Sen. Mark Messmer, surgeon Richard Moss, and Army Reservist Dominick Kavanaugh. The race has drawn significant outside spending and support for various candidates. In the red 6th District, where Rep. Greg Pence is retiring, Republicans will select a likely new member of Congress, with self-funding candidates leading the way in terms of ad spending.
The Indiana primaries will serve as a key indicator of the state of the Republican Party and the influence of former President Trump on GOP contests. With competitive races in both statewide and congressional races, voters will have the opportunity to choose candidates who align with their priorities on issues such as Ukraine aid, Trump’s agenda, and party loyalty. The outcomes of these primaries will set the stage for the general election in November and shape the makeup of Indiana’s representation in state and federal offices.
