Rudy Yakym was sworn into Congress to finish the last seven weeks of the late Rep. Jackie Walorski’s (R-IN) term after she died in a car crash in August.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) swore Yakym, a Republican, into office Monday evening with his family at his side. He also won election to a full term representing Indiana’s 2nd Congressional District in the 118th Congress that begins on Jan. 3.
CAUSE OF DEATH REVEALED FOR FATAL CAR CRASH INVOLVING REP. JACKIE WALORSKI
Pelosi and Yakym spoke briefly about how Walorski would have wanted her seat to pass on to someone deeply dedicated to the state of Indiana, remarks that followed Yakym describing his background as a “fourth-generation Hoosier.” He was joined by his wife and three children for the ceremony.
Yakym worked closely with the late congresswoman as her campaign finance director and had the endorsement of her widower, Dean Swihart. He won both the special and general election on Nov. 8 by a comfortable 32-point margin in the safely Republican district.
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Walorski’s sudden death in a head-on collision shocked northern Indiana and Capitol Hill. Her funeral was attended by dozens of House members, and she was remembered for her passion and deep-rooted Christian faith. Walorski, 58, died along with two staffers — District Director Zachery Potts, 27, and Communications Director Emma Thomson, 28 — while traveling in the district.
