Republican incumbent Victoria Spartz wins another term in Indiana’s 5th Congressional District

Incumbent Victoria Spartz won Indiana’s 5th Congressional District with more than 56% of the vote. The district makes up part of Hamilton, Madison and Grant Counties.

The Associated Press called the race for Spartz at 8:33 p.m. She defeated Democrat Deborah Pickett, who took more than 38% of the vote. Independent Robby Slaughter and Libertarian Lauri Shillings each won more than 2% of the vote. Precincts are still reporting.

Spartz first won the seat in 2020. Last year she said she would not run for reelection because she wanted to spend more time with her family. But she then rejoined the race earlier this year and took the nomination from numerous Republican candidates in the May primary.

In a statement Spartz said she was honored to receive the support of her fellow Hoosiers. "Last night, the American people sent a resounding message that they are tired of lawlessness, radicalism, elitism, identity politics, open borders, failed economic policies, and a government that is not serving them," she said. "We MUST govern! May God bless our great Republic!"

Spartz spoke to WFYI ahead of the General Election and said her financial expertise was one of the main reasons she decided to run again. Health care spending was a topic she identified as a top priority. Spartz also told WFYI that she considered Republican candidates Donald Trump and Mike Braun strong allies.

Democrat Deborah Pickett received the second most votes. In a statement she said she is troubled by the results.

"I am trying to process and absorb the fact that we may have a convicted felon for a president and my opponent, Victoria Spartz, has been at his side cheering him on while he has denigrated our democratic institutions. She betrays the democratic values and principles near and dear to my heart for which my family and I have been willing to die for in military service to our country," Pickett said. 

The 5th District has been solidly Republican for years. Before Spartz, the seat was held by Republican Susan Brooks.

Originally from the Ukraine, Spartz was appointed to the Indiana Senate in 2017. She also worked as an accountant and a business owner.

This story will be updated.