There are multiple open seats in both Congress and the governor’s mansion in the Hoosier State, attracting a record number of GOP contenders and outside money in the upcoming primary on Tuesday. Vacancies in Indiana’s 3rd, 6th, and 8th Districts have drawn many contenders, potentially leading to more than half of Indiana’s congressional delegation being brand new by November.
One of the most competitive races is in the 5th District, where Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN) reversed her decision to not seek reelection. However, seven other Republicans had already filed to run for her seat by then. Six Republicans are competing to be the nominee for governor, as Gov. Eric Holcomb (R-IN) is term-limited after serving eight years. A record-breaking $98 million has been spent ahead of the primaries, with a significant portion going toward the gubernatorial primary.
Key races to watch include whether Rep. Victoria Spartz will lose her seat, the potential comeback of former congressman Marlin Stutzman in the 3rd District, the impact of self-funders in the 6th District, and whether pro-Israel groups will make an impact in the 8th District. The 1st District also sees Republicans challenging Rep. Frank Mrvan (D-IN) in northwest Indiana, which has seen a shift towards more conservative leanings over the past decade.
