The GOP has one less seat in serious contention as Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN) announced she has changed her mind and will not retire from Congress in 2024.
Spartz announced she would not seek a third term in 2023, a few months after winning the 2022 midterms. At the time she expressed a desire to spend more time with her family.
Though she has not done so yet, the congresswoman announced via a statement that she will soon file the required documents and formally declare her candidacy and intent to represent her district for another term.
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Breaking
The only Ukrainian born member of the United States Congress, Rep. Victoria Spartz (IN) , has decided NOT to retire at the end of this term and will run for re-election.
At the beginning of this term she took a more active role in international affairs. pic.twitter.com/qAVAY9DxLS
— Sarah Ashton-Cirillo (@SarahAshtonLV) February 5, 2024
An excerpt from Spartz’s statement read:
“Deciding where your duty lies – family, work, or country, is never an easy task. Earlier last year, I decided to take some time off from running for public office to recharge and spend more time in Indiana with my family,”
“However, looking where we are today, and urged by many of my constituents, I do not believe I would be able to deliver this Congress, with the current failed leadership in Washington, D.C., on the important issues for our nation that I have worked very hard on.”
“As someone who grew up under tyranny, I understand the significance of these challenging times for our Republic, and if my fellow Hoosiers and God decide, I will be honored to continue fighting for them.”
“We must carry on the sacrifice of countless Americans for our liberties and keep the American dream alive for our children.”
Her stmt —> https://t.co/USeCbD2hIE pic.twitter.com/MNeX3XQ3p4
— Olivia Beavers (@Olivia_Beavers) February 5, 2024
According to The Cook Political Report, despite the late announcement, Spartz is strongly favored to retain her seat. Notably, she won in 2022 by more than 20 points.
Spartz’s announcement is good news for Republican Party leaders who are trying to pivot to address recent announcements that 17 House Republicans will not seek reelection. Of these 17, two seats will be filled this year via special elections.
GOP Rep. Victoria Spartz scraps retirement plans as dozens head for Congress exits https://t.co/lEx4SgMnp6 pic.twitter.com/shAJqOkIKL
— New York Post (@nypost) February 5, 2024
Rep. George Santos (NY) was forced to resign last year amid scandal, and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (CA) resigned after being ousted from serving as speaker less than a year after assuming the post. The vote to remove him from serving as speaker was led by members of the far-right wing of the party.
Special elections for those two seats will take place in the coming months.
Taking the White House and retaining control of the House in 2024 are primary goals for the GOP.
