Recently, I held my first town hall meeting. Jamee 1, Rudy 0! (And he’s been in office over three years.) A great crowd joined me in Goshen, asking a variety of strong questions that demonstrated the knowledge and concern for our nation that many of you in this district share. I intend to hold many more town halls in every part of the 2nd District so that constituents can express their views and learn who I am and what I intend to do as your representative.
From healthcare to child care and data centers to the rising cost of living in our nation, we covered many subjects during the meeting. I was most impressed with the questions thrown at me, and I left with plenty to consider and a few things to learn more about.
Thankfully, one question I had hoped to answer was finally asked. “Why did I leave Indiana for California?”
That’s a story that is pertinent and explains an important part of who I am and what I value.
Hoosiers Stand Up for What’s Right
As a deputy prosecutor in Elkhart County, I prided myself on being fair and bringing justice to victims. At the end of my third year, the elected county prosecutor called and ordered me to fix a case—to do something unethical that violated my oath to uphold the rule of law. I refused, and subsequently, he threatened and berated me. He had other options, but he was looking for loyalty to him over my oath of office and the Constitution. While I knew my career was on the line, I never wavered.
A week later, I was fired. While he said being dismissed would affect my legal career, he was wrong. Witnessing corruption empowered me to keep fighting the good fight. Standing up for what’s right, even when it costs you everything, is a Hoosier value.
Sadly, I also felt like a persona non grata in my hometown. A year later, I moved to California for perspective and to start life over as a screenwriter. It was a talent I discovered post-law school, and a world where I could make a name for myself.
Hoosiers Keep Their Promises
I persisted, worked hard, and eventually achieved my goal, becoming a member of the Writers’ Guild of America. A few years later, with a fresh perspective, I decided to return home, hoping to serve the community that I love. But as we all know, life often takes us down unexpected paths.
I had made a one-year volunteer commitment at a locked residential facility for hard-to-place foster children. A place for kids with very difficult backgrounds who, more than likely, would never find a home and end up homeless at eighteen. I was in my sixth month of that commitment, my third month paired with a seven-year-old little boy, when he turned to me after only a half-dozen meetings and asked if I would adopt him.
As he looked up at me, awaiting my response, I realized he trusted me. I made certain he knew I didn’t cook, and we shook on it. He didn’t want a cook; he wanted love, family, and a home. We were bound together from that moment on. The system told me I’d never succeed, but eight years, three months, and almost forty frustrating court hearings later, I officially became his mother. They didn’t understand that Hoosiers keep their word.
We remained in California because after so many years of chaos, he needed stability. I did what all parents do—I put my child first. He deserved love, a home, and a family. Family comes first—that’s a Hoosier value no matter where you live.
We came home to Elkhart often, and I will always treasure the special bond that he shared with his grandparents. From the first moment they met, my parents embraced him and made sure he knew that he was loved as much as any of their grandchildren. They were family.
Being a mother will always be the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. My son has made me a much better person. A college graduate, married with a young daughter, he continues to live his dream. I am very proud of him and everything he has accomplished.
Bringing Hoosier Integrity Back to Washington
I have carried my Hoosier values with me wherever I have gone. They come from my parents, who spent their lives serving others, and from the community where I grew up and learned the importance of honesty and integrity. Values don’t change based on your zip code.
There have been eight exonerations in Elkhart County over the last two decades, and more are to come. As of now, that’s the most per capita in the United States. I was not a part of that corruption. I am proud I did not give away my power nor violate my oath of office.
Like you, I see how much is at stake now. Our nation is moving in the wrong direction. The federal government, including Rudy Yakym, has failed to serve the needs of the people. I am more determined than ever to make a difference in our district. Unlike my opponent, I will always put people first, just as I did with my son.
I am running to fight for every Hoosier, regardless of party, and to bring our Hoosier values back to Washington. I’m determined to do what is right for my neighbors. I’m back home again. Indiana has always been home and always will be.
It’s time to restore the American Dream in Indiana’s 2nd District. Washington special interests are well-funded, but they don’t have our community’s heart. To help me stand up for working families across the Second District, consider making a grassroots contribution today. Together, we win!