By Dan Spalding
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Rudy Yakym III, a 38-year-old businessman from Granger, won handily the seat formerly held by the late U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski, whom he had formerly served as an advisor.

Yakym, who was endorsed by Walorski’s widower, strolled to victory Tuesday night, Nov. 8, after a non-stop compressed election period that began after he was chosen in a Republican caucus to replace Walorski’s name on the ballot.

Yakym prevailed in the regular election for the next Congressional term and the special election required to fill out the remainder of Walorski’s regular term.

He won 74.7% of the vote in the regular election and 73.3% in the special election needed to fill out the last few weeks of Walorski’s term.

He’s now expected to be sworn in within days as a member of Congress.

In Kosciusko County, Yakym won 78.6%. Democrat Paul Steury received 17.0% and William Henry received 4.2%.

U.S. Rep. Jim Banks also claimed victory in Indiana’s 3rd Congressional race.

Banks, seeking a fourth term, easily defeated two opponents. He won 74.7%. Democrat Gary Snyder collected 21.6%, and Nathan Gotsch, an independent candidate, received about 3.8% of the vote.

As a result of redistricting, the portion of the 3rd District shrunk in Kosciusko County with District 2 expanding more into the county, including the city of Warsaw.

In Kosciusko County, Banks won 77.6% while Snyder received 19.4% and Gotsch received 2.8%.

The Columbia City native claimed victory early Tuesday night and issued a statement to the media.

“It has been the honor of my lifetime to spend three terms representing northeast Indiana in the House and I am grateful to the people of Indiana for the opportunity to serve for another term,” Banks said.

A strong supporter of former President Donald Trump, Banks has risen in the ranks of Republican leadership and is expected to gain another leadership position when Congress returns in January. 

“I plan to play a leading role in charting the House Republican agenda next Congress so that I am in the best possible position to champion northeast Indiana’s values and interests and bring much-needed relief to those who are struggling,” Banks said.