U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz, the only Ukrainian-born member of Congress, recently voted against a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine, sparking controversy in the midst of her tough reelection fight in Indiana’s deeply conservative 5th district.
Spartz, originally seen as a natural advocate for her native country, cited concerns about U.S. funds oversight and opposed giving what she called “blank checks” to Ukraine, aligning herself more closely with conservative House Republicans and the sentiments of her constituents.
U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz (Credits: Indiana Public Radio)
Her decision to vote against the aid package, part of a larger bill that included assistance for other global hot spots, reflects a shift in priorities among Republican voters, with many prioritizing issues like border security over international aid.
Spartz’s opponents in the GOP primary have seized on her original support for Ukraine, framing her as putting “Ukraine first” and emphasizing the importance of border security in a district where Trump-like policies resonate strongly.
Spartz’s reelection bid is further complicated by her previous announcement that she wouldn’t seek another term, a decision she later reversed. Despite facing a well-funded opponent in state Rep. Chuck Goodrich, Spartz retains the advantage of incumbency but trails in campaign funds, with Goodrich outspending her.
Rep. Victoria Spartz (Credits: KyivPost)
Former President Donald Trump’s endorsement, an important factor in conservative districts like Indiana’s 5th, has yet to materialize in this year’s race.
Turnout is expected to be low, but Spartz, drawing on her experience as an immigrant from the Soviet Union, continues to emphasize her fight against what she sees as socialist tendencies within her own party and the broader political landscape.
