"Assume the Opposite of Her Promises," Warns Source
Currently, Victoria Spartz and Mike Johnson have established a fragile peace. However, anyone contemplating crossing her should take note of her tumultuous ascent in the political arena.
TroibNews 
On Tuesday evening, Speaker Mike Johnson encountered growing resistance from GOP members regarding his budget resolution aimed at advancing President Donald Trump’s expansive domestic policy agenda. At the rear of the chamber, Indiana Republican Rep. Victoria Spartz gathered with other dissenting GOP members.
At one moment, Reps. Guy Reschenthaler and Tom Emmer confronted Spartz and fellow dissenter Rep. Thomas Massie against a wall.
Earlier that day, Spartz had asserted to reporters that there was nothing that could sway her, even a personal call from Trump, from opposing the multitrillion-dollar budget. “I don’t change my mind,” she stated.
However, shortly after that encounter, and following a special cloakroom call from Trump, Spartz reversed her position. During the call, Trump reportedly vocally reprimanded her, labeling her a “fake Republican” for jeopardizing his agenda and reminding her of his status as president.
This isn't the first instance of the third-term legislator exerting pressure on Johnson. Insights into her intentions were evident last November when she confided to staff about her plans to oppose the speaker and her goal of "taking down Johnson." In late December and early January, she momentarily withheld her support for his reelection to the speakership, later extracting commitments from him regarding spending cuts.
Despite her eventual support for Johnson's speakership earlier this year and her withdrawal of opposition to the current budget deal, Johnson should remain cautious about Spartz’s loyalty, dependent on his ability to meet her demands.
Spartz, known for her high staff turnover, rigid fiscal stances, and personal ties to Ukraine, is recognized in Congress and her home state of Indiana for her unpredictability and her rejection of conventional norms. Her management style has burned many bridges, resulting in over a dozen staff exits since November, further cementing her reputation as Washington's worst boss in 2022 according to LegiStorm.
Interviews with several current and former aides—who spoke on condition of anonymity due to fears of retaliation—paint a picture of Spartz as a volatile and contentious leader committed to her objectives, often at the cost of her relationships. Former staffers have reported instances of verbal abuse, including derogatory remarks made to them.
Additionally, it has been reported that Spartz has solicited aides for campaign-related tasks, which contravenes congressional rules that restrict staff work to official duties under certain conditions. Specific requests included menial tasks, such as pulling weeds and distributing champagne during a political fundraiser.
“I do not require my official staff to do any political activities at all and I am tired of you writing lies,” Spartz stated when confronted with these claims. “I evaluate people and reward based on their performance of their official duties for my constituents.”
Moreover, last year, Spartz faced a separate inquiry from the Ethics Committee after she brought a .380 caliber handgun in her carry-on bag at Dulles International Airport while heading to a Helsinki Commission gathering. While the investigation into that matter was eventually closed, her controversial actions, including unofficial trips to Ukraine, have raised eyebrows.
Her contentious behavior and the mounting grievances from colleagues and staffers have not gone unnoticed by Republicans in Indiana, some of whom view her actions as contributing to the dysfunction in Washington. Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen, who supported one of Spartz’s challengers last year, remarked, “You can keep calling the circus a circus, but … at some point in time, by taking the steps that you're taking, you’re becoming the ringleader of the circus.”
Some associates believe Spartz thrives in her chaotic role. “If you want to get a good committee assignment, or you want XYZ, you play the game,” one close Republican ally said. “Then again, if you aren’t looking for a career in D.C. and the Republican speaker can only afford to lose one vote, maybe throw the rule book out the window.”
When asked for advice regarding Johnson, Jensen advised, “Whatever she tells you she is going to do, assume she will do the exact opposite.”
Spartz's storied background traces back to Nosivka, Ukraine, where she grew up. At eight, she witnessed her father, an engineer responding to the Chernobyl disaster, succumb to cancer from radiation exposure. Following her emigration to the U.S. in 2000, she embarked on various careers while engaging with the local Republican Party. Her upbringing in a Soviet nation positioned her as a staunch critic of government spending and progressive policies.
By 2011, she co-founded the Hamilton County Tea Party and was appointed to the state senate in 2017, though her uncompromising fiscal views soon made her unpopular among local Republicans.
An example of this friction surfaced when she opposed a significant bill for a downtown Noblesville project. Spartz was the sole senator to voice dissent against a decades-in-the-making initiative, earning the ire of local leaders including Jensen, who remarked, “She really opposed allowing ourselves to build our own road.”
In response, Republican officials in her district rallied behind a primary challenger in 2020, leading to a combative campaign that included a combative message scrawled on a press release she found at her office.
Spartz narrowly sidestepped this challenge by securing a House seat in a special election.
Once in Congress, she quickly earned a reputation as a difficult manager, landing at the top of LegiStorm's "Worst Bosses" list in May 2022. Various complaints from staffers underline her unyielding approach, often disregarding established norms in favor of her objectives. Reports indicate that a former staffer was ordered to perform menial tasks, further underscoring her contentious management style.
Post-election, Spartz escalated her campaign against Johnson, reportedly indicating during private meetings her intention to oppose him. This was attributed to frustration over not receiving a seat on the House Ways and Means Committee, although she claimed otherwise. “I just need to fix health care, which was the main reason I ran for Congress,” she stated.
Despite her criticisms, a Spartz aide highlighted her experience and aspirations for the Ways and Means Committee, suggesting her desire to reform tax policy.
On March 1, 2022, Spartz notably escorted President Biden into the House chamber during his State of the Union address, an event that drew attention to her emerging national profile. However, her stance on the Ukraine conflict has shifted over time, complicating her relationships with peers and observers alike.
Initially, Spartz was vocal about supporting Ukraine, passionately advocating for aid in the wake of the invasion. By May 2023, she was seen with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy but soon began to align with the more skeptical factions within her party, raising concerns about U.S. support for Ukraine.
Amidst the evolving political landscape and intense scrutiny, Spartz once again considered her future, initially announcing her intention to step away from public office in 2023, a decision that surprised many given her recent housing investments in D.C. Just over a year later, she declared her campaign for reelection.
During her reelection bid, accusations arose regarding her treatment of staff, leading to heightened tensions. In response, she positioned herself against her competitors, highlighting key concerns and characterizing herself as a fiscal conservative.
When confronted with criticisms from local officials like Jensen, Spartz dismissed them as typical of the “good old boys” in her district, asserting her commitment to rooting out self-dealing. As she looks to her future and navigates her complex relationship with Speaker Johnson, her actions reveal an ongoing commitment to her agendas—both in Indiana and Washington.As Spartz maneuvers through the political landscape, her relationships with her colleagues, both at home and in D.C., remain fraught with tension. Observers note that while she might have initially supported Johnson, her loyalty is transactional and tied to her demands being met. This precarious alliance reflects a broader concern among Republicans about maintaining unity within the party amid deepening ideological rifts.
Johnson, who faces challenges from various factions within the GOP, may find it increasingly difficult to manage members like Spartz, who are willing to openly defy leadership in pursuit of their goals. Her actions have set a precedent that could embolden other members who harbor grievances against party initiatives or leadership decisions. "Anyone who betrays that she would oppose," an ally of Spartz mentioned, suggesting that her combative tendencies could resonate among like-minded colleagues.
In the lead-up to the 2024 election, Spartz's reemergence into the political spotlight coincides with growing scrutiny surrounding her policies and behaviors. Her shifting positions on crucial issues—particularly aid to Ukraine—could alienate potential voters who are concerned about U.S. international commitments. The changing dynamics around her foreign policy stances hint at a strategic pivot aimed at consolidating support among the more isolationist wings of the GOP.
Her engagements in Ukraine, both official and unofficial, have drawn mixed reactions. While some see her proactivity as commendable, others are wary of her methods and the messages she portrays during her trips. Concerns have arisen regarding her potential associations with far-right elements abroad, highlighting the risks of circumventing established protocols in favor of informality. Critics suggest that lacking structured oversight can lead to misinterpretations and misrepresentations of U.S. interests and objectives.
As Spartz navigates her complex relationship with Ukraine, her evolution from a passionate supporter of aid to a critic of Zelenskyy has left many constituents perplexed. On one hand, this shift may resonate with constituents wary of unchecked foreign spending; on the other, it risks undermining her support from those who see Ukraine as an ally worth defending against Russian aggression.
House Republicans are likely preparing for upcoming primary battles, and Spartz’s conduct and public image will undoubtedly be focal points in her campaign. Local leaders like Jensen, who have been vocal about their discontent with her ways, may leverage her past conflicts to galvanize opposition against her.
In this charged atmosphere, Spartz's approach could face challenges as she attempts to balance her ideological convictions with the need for practical collaboration. Her willingness to challenge respected party leaders positions her as both an asset and a liability. While she may energize a base that appreciates her straightforwardness and independence, her confrontational style could alienate moderates who advocate for a more unified party front.
As the Republican Party braces itself for a contentious election season, the implications of Spartz's actions resonate beyond her immediate political maneuvering. The rise of members like her illustrates a fundamental shift in the GOP, buoyed by a faction that prioritizes personal ideology over traditional party cohesion. This evolution could redefine the Republican identity as it grapples with competing visions of what the party should represent in the years to come.
Ultimately, Spartz's career trajectory will serve as a significant case study of the dynamics at play within a party striving to position itself in a fragmented political environment. Her unpredictable leadership style and the ramifications of her choices will likely remain topics of discussion, both in Congress and among constituents, shaping the narrative as the 2024 elections draw nearer. Given her high stakes and contentious history, it is certain that Spartz will continue to provoke both allegiance and antagonism as she seeks to solidify her influence within the Republican ranks.
Aarav Patel for TROIB News
At one moment, Reps. Guy Reschenthaler and Tom Emmer confronted Spartz and fellow dissenter Rep. Thomas Massie against a wall.
Earlier that day, Spartz had asserted to reporters that there was nothing that could sway her, even a personal call from Trump, from opposing the multitrillion-dollar budget. “I don’t change my mind,” she stated.
However, shortly after that encounter, and following a special cloakroom call from Trump, Spartz reversed her position. During the call, Trump reportedly vocally reprimanded her, labeling her a “fake Republican” for jeopardizing his agenda and reminding her of his status as president.
This isn't the first instance of the third-term legislator exerting pressure on Johnson. Insights into her intentions were evident last November when she confided to staff about her plans to oppose the speaker and her goal of "taking down Johnson." In late December and early January, she momentarily withheld her support for his reelection to the speakership, later extracting commitments from him regarding spending cuts.
Despite her eventual support for Johnson's speakership earlier this year and her withdrawal of opposition to the current budget deal, Johnson should remain cautious about Spartz’s loyalty, dependent on his ability to meet her demands.
Spartz, known for her high staff turnover, rigid fiscal stances, and personal ties to Ukraine, is recognized in Congress and her home state of Indiana for her unpredictability and her rejection of conventional norms. Her management style has burned many bridges, resulting in over a dozen staff exits since November, further cementing her reputation as Washington's worst boss in 2022 according to LegiStorm.
Interviews with several current and former aides—who spoke on condition of anonymity due to fears of retaliation—paint a picture of Spartz as a volatile and contentious leader committed to her objectives, often at the cost of her relationships. Former staffers have reported instances of verbal abuse, including derogatory remarks made to them.
Additionally, it has been reported that Spartz has solicited aides for campaign-related tasks, which contravenes congressional rules that restrict staff work to official duties under certain conditions. Specific requests included menial tasks, such as pulling weeds and distributing champagne during a political fundraiser.
“I do not require my official staff to do any political activities at all and I am tired of you writing lies,” Spartz stated when confronted with these claims. “I evaluate people and reward based on their performance of their official duties for my constituents.”
Moreover, last year, Spartz faced a separate inquiry from the Ethics Committee after she brought a .380 caliber handgun in her carry-on bag at Dulles International Airport while heading to a Helsinki Commission gathering. While the investigation into that matter was eventually closed, her controversial actions, including unofficial trips to Ukraine, have raised eyebrows.
Her contentious behavior and the mounting grievances from colleagues and staffers have not gone unnoticed by Republicans in Indiana, some of whom view her actions as contributing to the dysfunction in Washington. Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen, who supported one of Spartz’s challengers last year, remarked, “You can keep calling the circus a circus, but … at some point in time, by taking the steps that you're taking, you’re becoming the ringleader of the circus.”
Some associates believe Spartz thrives in her chaotic role. “If you want to get a good committee assignment, or you want XYZ, you play the game,” one close Republican ally said. “Then again, if you aren’t looking for a career in D.C. and the Republican speaker can only afford to lose one vote, maybe throw the rule book out the window.”
When asked for advice regarding Johnson, Jensen advised, “Whatever she tells you she is going to do, assume she will do the exact opposite.”
Spartz's storied background traces back to Nosivka, Ukraine, where she grew up. At eight, she witnessed her father, an engineer responding to the Chernobyl disaster, succumb to cancer from radiation exposure. Following her emigration to the U.S. in 2000, she embarked on various careers while engaging with the local Republican Party. Her upbringing in a Soviet nation positioned her as a staunch critic of government spending and progressive policies.
By 2011, she co-founded the Hamilton County Tea Party and was appointed to the state senate in 2017, though her uncompromising fiscal views soon made her unpopular among local Republicans.
An example of this friction surfaced when she opposed a significant bill for a downtown Noblesville project. Spartz was the sole senator to voice dissent against a decades-in-the-making initiative, earning the ire of local leaders including Jensen, who remarked, “She really opposed allowing ourselves to build our own road.”
In response, Republican officials in her district rallied behind a primary challenger in 2020, leading to a combative campaign that included a combative message scrawled on a press release she found at her office.
Spartz narrowly sidestepped this challenge by securing a House seat in a special election.
Once in Congress, she quickly earned a reputation as a difficult manager, landing at the top of LegiStorm's "Worst Bosses" list in May 2022. Various complaints from staffers underline her unyielding approach, often disregarding established norms in favor of her objectives. Reports indicate that a former staffer was ordered to perform menial tasks, further underscoring her contentious management style.
Post-election, Spartz escalated her campaign against Johnson, reportedly indicating during private meetings her intention to oppose him. This was attributed to frustration over not receiving a seat on the House Ways and Means Committee, although she claimed otherwise. “I just need to fix health care, which was the main reason I ran for Congress,” she stated.
Despite her criticisms, a Spartz aide highlighted her experience and aspirations for the Ways and Means Committee, suggesting her desire to reform tax policy.
On March 1, 2022, Spartz notably escorted President Biden into the House chamber during his State of the Union address, an event that drew attention to her emerging national profile. However, her stance on the Ukraine conflict has shifted over time, complicating her relationships with peers and observers alike.
Initially, Spartz was vocal about supporting Ukraine, passionately advocating for aid in the wake of the invasion. By May 2023, she was seen with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy but soon began to align with the more skeptical factions within her party, raising concerns about U.S. support for Ukraine.
Amidst the evolving political landscape and intense scrutiny, Spartz once again considered her future, initially announcing her intention to step away from public office in 2023, a decision that surprised many given her recent housing investments in D.C. Just over a year later, she declared her campaign for reelection.
During her reelection bid, accusations arose regarding her treatment of staff, leading to heightened tensions. In response, she positioned herself against her competitors, highlighting key concerns and characterizing herself as a fiscal conservative.
When confronted with criticisms from local officials like Jensen, Spartz dismissed them as typical of the “good old boys” in her district, asserting her commitment to rooting out self-dealing. As she looks to her future and navigates her complex relationship with Speaker Johnson, her actions reveal an ongoing commitment to her agendas—both in Indiana and Washington.As Spartz maneuvers through the political landscape, her relationships with her colleagues, both at home and in D.C., remain fraught with tension. Observers note that while she might have initially supported Johnson, her loyalty is transactional and tied to her demands being met. This precarious alliance reflects a broader concern among Republicans about maintaining unity within the party amid deepening ideological rifts.
Johnson, who faces challenges from various factions within the GOP, may find it increasingly difficult to manage members like Spartz, who are willing to openly defy leadership in pursuit of their goals. Her actions have set a precedent that could embolden other members who harbor grievances against party initiatives or leadership decisions. "Anyone who betrays that she would oppose," an ally of Spartz mentioned, suggesting that her combative tendencies could resonate among like-minded colleagues.
In the lead-up to the 2024 election, Spartz's reemergence into the political spotlight coincides with growing scrutiny surrounding her policies and behaviors. Her shifting positions on crucial issues—particularly aid to Ukraine—could alienate potential voters who are concerned about U.S. international commitments. The changing dynamics around her foreign policy stances hint at a strategic pivot aimed at consolidating support among the more isolationist wings of the GOP.
Her engagements in Ukraine, both official and unofficial, have drawn mixed reactions. While some see her proactivity as commendable, others are wary of her methods and the messages she portrays during her trips. Concerns have arisen regarding her potential associations with far-right elements abroad, highlighting the risks of circumventing established protocols in favor of informality. Critics suggest that lacking structured oversight can lead to misinterpretations and misrepresentations of U.S. interests and objectives.
As Spartz navigates her complex relationship with Ukraine, her evolution from a passionate supporter of aid to a critic of Zelenskyy has left many constituents perplexed. On one hand, this shift may resonate with constituents wary of unchecked foreign spending; on the other, it risks undermining her support from those who see Ukraine as an ally worth defending against Russian aggression.
House Republicans are likely preparing for upcoming primary battles, and Spartz’s conduct and public image will undoubtedly be focal points in her campaign. Local leaders like Jensen, who have been vocal about their discontent with her ways, may leverage her past conflicts to galvanize opposition against her.
In this charged atmosphere, Spartz's approach could face challenges as she attempts to balance her ideological convictions with the need for practical collaboration. Her willingness to challenge respected party leaders positions her as both an asset and a liability. While she may energize a base that appreciates her straightforwardness and independence, her confrontational style could alienate moderates who advocate for a more unified party front.
As the Republican Party braces itself for a contentious election season, the implications of Spartz's actions resonate beyond her immediate political maneuvering. The rise of members like her illustrates a fundamental shift in the GOP, buoyed by a faction that prioritizes personal ideology over traditional party cohesion. This evolution could redefine the Republican identity as it grapples with competing visions of what the party should represent in the years to come.
Ultimately, Spartz's career trajectory will serve as a significant case study of the dynamics at play within a party striving to position itself in a fragmented political environment. Her unpredictable leadership style and the ramifications of her choices will likely remain topics of discussion, both in Congress and among constituents, shaping the narrative as the 2024 elections draw nearer. Given her high stakes and contentious history, it is certain that Spartz will continue to provoke both allegiance and antagonism as she seeks to solidify her influence within the Republican ranks.
Aarav Patel for TROIB News
