Rudy Yakym has held IN-02 since winning a 2022 special election to replace Jackie Walorski, who died in a car accident. He won the 2024 general with 62.7% and is not expected to face a serious challenge in 2026.
Yakym is a businessman and former finance director for Walorski's campaigns. He was selected by Republican precinct committee members in a convention process after Walorski's death — not through a primary or special election open to all voters. He went on to win the November 2022 special election and the simultaneous general election for the new term.
The district covers the South Bend-Elkhart manufacturing corridor, home to the RV industry and a significant Amish community. Despite South Bend's Democratic lean (it was Pete Buttigieg's home base), the district's R+8 PVI and rural composition make it reliably Republican.
