Former Rep. John Hostettler, a Republican candidate vying for Indiana’s 8th Congressional District, is facing opposition from pro-Israel groups who accuse him of antisemitism due to his past statements about American involvement in overseas wars and Israel policy. Hostettler, a staunch opponent of U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts, is being heavily outspent by his chief opponent, state Sen. Mark Messmer, who has attracted support from deep-pocketed outside groups concerned about Hostettler’s record on Israel. Pro-Israel donors have backed Messmer, with the Republican Jewish Coalition’s super PAC spending nearly $1 million on his behalf.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s super PAC, United Democracy Project, has also spent nearly $1.3 million attacking Hostettler, making him the first Republican candidate to be targeted by the group since its creation in 2021. Hostettler has been likened to Rep. Thomas Massie, another libertarian-minded paleoconservative who opposes foreign aid, including to Israel. The goal of UDP is to prevent detractors of the U.S.-Israel relationship from being elected to Congress, regardless of party affiliation. In a Republican primary where voters are staunchly pro-Israel, Israel policy has become a salient issue, prompting the heavy spending from pro-Israel groups against Hostettler.
The primary in Indiana’s 8th Congressional District has become a proxy war over foreign policy, with Hostettler representing the anti-interventionist wing of the Republican Party that aligns with former President Donald Trump’s “America First” approach. Hostettler, along with figures like Ron Paul and Pat Buchanan, questions the U.S.’s involvement in foreign wars and Israel policy, which has led to accusations of antisemitism against him. The use of attack ads and outside spending in the race reflects a broader ideological divide within the Republican Party over foreign policy, particularly on issues such as Israel aid and America’s role in overseas conflicts.
Hostettler’s past statements and positions on Israel policy and American involvement in wars have drawn comparisons to paleoconservatives who have long been critical of neoconservative foreign policy and U.S. support for Israel. His anti-interventionist views, particularly his opposition to the Iraq War, have put him at odds with mainstream Republican orthodoxy on foreign policy. However, the rise of the “America First” movement within the party, inspired by Trump’s anti-interventionist rhetoric, has given Hostettler and like-minded conservatives more visibility and support among the conservative base.
The primary race in Indiana’s 8th District highlights the ongoing debate within the Republican Party over foreign policy and the role of the U.S. in overseas conflicts. Hostettler’s anti-interventionist views, while controversial, reflect a broader strain of conservative thought that questions U.S. involvement in foreign wars and Israel policy. As the race continues, the influence of pro-Israel groups and outside spending on the outcome will play a critical role in shaping the future of the party’s foreign policy stance. Ultimately, the battle between Hostettler and Messmer represents a larger ideological struggle within the GOP over issues of war, interventionism, and U.S. support for Israel.
