Over the last month, I have spent a lot of time at county fairs in the Second District. I’ve had the chance to talk with farmers from across the region about what their farms are facing today and what they expect to deal with in the coming seasons. These conversations have been enlightening and insightful as I have listened to third-, fourth-, and even fifth-generation farmers speak passionately about how hard they are working to care for the land and what they need from their government to keep doing so.
Back in 2023, Congressman Rudy Yakym told Hoosiers exactly what they wanted to hear. He said, “A big part of what I spend my time on is making sure that the federal government doesn’t get in the way of our Hoosier farmers.” He went on to say, “What I trust more than anything is for Hoosiers to make the decisions for them that are good for their businesses, that are good for their quality of life, and that are good for the future of our Hoosier economy.”
Those are words I can agree with. But Rudy’s record over the last three years makes that promise impossible to trust, especially for Hoosier farmers.
Trust Hoosier Farmers—or Bow Down to Washington Elites?
Rudy said he wanted Washington out of the way of Hoosier farmers.
But when President Trump imposed sweeping tariffs and trade measures that created chaos and uncertainty for agricultural producers, Rudy praised the administration instead of standing up for his Hoosier farmer constituents.
Indiana farm organizations and producers were crystal clear that tariffs and retaliatory trade actions were creating real financial pressure through rising costs, disrupted export markets, and declining commodity prices—even as many hoped long-term trade agreements would ultimately improve conditions. The Trump administration later announced billions of dollars in assistance to help farmers weather the challenges it created.
Reasonable people can disagree about tariffs. But if your guiding principle really is that Washington shouldn’t get in the way of Hoosier farmers, you have an obligation to ask hard questions when federal policies put a crushing strain on the people you promised to protect.
Hoosiers Deserve More Than Empty Promises
Hoosier taxpayers have every right to expect their representative to be an independent leader. They deserve someone who says they’ll defend Hoosier interests and means it, even when that means disagreeing with party leaders.
Rudy Yakym promised to trust Hoosiers more than Washington. Now it’s up to Hoosiers to decide whether his record reflects that promise.
The duty of a representative is to stand up for the needs of all constituents, regardless of party. When I am elected, the people of Indiana’s Second District won’t have to wonder anymore whether their representative is someone who fearlessly represents them. I’m ready to do the job.
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!