Indiana GOP Chooses Nominee to Replace Walorski

MISHAWAKA, Ind.–The Indiana Republican Party has picked its GOP nominee to replace the late Representative Jackie Walorski. The nominee they have selected is Rudy Yakym.

Yakym, 38, was previously the finance director for Walorski’s congressional campaign. He also has been endorsed by Walorksi’s husband, Dean Swihart. Currently,  he is an executive with the Elkhart distribution company Kem Krest.

“I want to thank the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ our God above,” said Yakym in an acceptance speech on Saturday.

At the end of his speech, he said he knew people would be hungry, so he made sure they were fed. He brought in 400 Chick-Fil-A sandwiches.

“Everyone is welcome, including my competitors, you can get a sandwich too. We would love for you all to stay and have a little lunch. Thank you all for your support,” said Yakym.

Former Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill received the second most votes.

Here’s a breakdown of the vote…

• Rudy Yakym – 205
• Curtis Hill – 86
• Curt Nisly – 31
• Christy Stutzman – 27
• Tiernan Kane – 12

The other candidates were all in single digits.

Walorski was killed in a car crash earlier this month in northern Indiana. Her District Director Zachery Potts and Communications Director Emma Thomson also died in the crash.

Yakym will go up against Democrat Paul Steury, a high school science teacher from Goshen, and Libertarian William Henry in the General Election in November.

LISTEN: Part of Yakym’s acceptance speech