IN-02: Rudy Yakym (R)

REPLACING:

Jackie Walorski (R)

WORK HISTORY:

Kem Krest (Director of Growth Initiatives); Bradley Company (Vice President); Walorski for Congress (Finance Director); Omnicity (Commercial Sales Manager)[i]

EDUCATION:

AB, Indiana University South Bend; BS, Indiana University South Bend – Judd Leighton School of Business & Economics; MBA, University of Notre Dame[ii]

CAMPAIGNED ON:

Fighting Inflation & Creating More Jobs; Supporting Our Veterans; Saving America From the Pelosi-Biden Failed Agenda; Supporting Law Enforcement & the Rule of Law; Balancing the Budget & Ending Wasteful Spending; Creating American Energy Independence & Lowering Energy Prices; Promoting Economic Opportunities for Working Families[iii]

ON THE ISSUES

REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS:

In an interview, Yakym said of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, “as someone who is pro life and a supporter of state’s rights I believe that was the right choice.”[iv]

ECONOMY, JOBS & TAXES:

Yakym has described himself as a “free-market enterprise guy,” and pledged to vote against “progressive policies.”[v] [vi] His campaign platform includes “fighting inflation and creating more jobs,” balancing the budget and ending “wasteful spending,” and “promoting economic opportunities” for working families.[vii] He is endorsed by the National Federation of Independent Business and the Indiana Farm Bureau.[viii] [ix]

HEALTHCARE & SOCIAL SAFETY NET:

Though he has not outlined a comprehensive plan to address rising health care and prescription drug costs, Yakym has pledged to support “common sense solutions” to reduce costs and improve quality of care.[x] He has also promised to support policies to protect social security and “ensure funding is available to our hardworking seniors and families in perpetuity.” He has previously criticized the Affordable Care Act.[xi]

CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY:

Yakym’s campaign platform includes “supporting law enforcement and the rule of law.”[xii]

GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS & ELECTION SECURITY:

In a candidate questionnaire, Yakym argued voters have “serious concerns about the integrity of our elections,” and said he opposed “federalizing elections,” instead preferring they be run by state and local leaders.[xiii] After winning the GOP nomination, Yakym pledged to work to decrease the “size and scope” of the federal government.[xiv] He is a friend of US Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett.[xv]

CLIMATE CHANGE, ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT:

Yakym supports US energy independence.[xvi]

GUN SAFETY:

When asked whether there were any federal gun laws he would like to add or repeal, Yakym said “I will work with my colleagues in Washington on common sense policies to harden schools and keep guns away from those who intend to do harm to others.”[xvii]

FOREIGN POLICY:

An AIPAC endorsee, Yakym has pledged to prioritize supporting Israel.[xviii] [xix]