Candidates Make Final Appeals in Indiana's 2nd

Republican Rudy Yakym, Democrat Jamee Decio, and Libertarian William Henry outline plans to address rising living costs before Election Day.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Inflation

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a pale stone civic building under a simple dome on a flat plain, in deep red, cream, and slate. — Republicans Rudy Yakym, Democrat Jamee Decio, and Libertarian William Henry each pitched plans to ease Indiana's rising cost of living in final appeals before Election Day. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you think the cost of living in your area is getting better?

Republican incumbent Rudy Yakym, Democrat Jamee Decio, and Libertarian William Henry made final appeals to voters in Indiana's 2nd Congressional District as Election Day approaches. All three identified affordability as among the biggest issues facing the community.

Why it matters

Rising costs are a central concern for voters in the district, and the candidates offered differing approaches to easing financial pressure on households. The outcome will determine who represents the district in Congress.

The federal minimum wage has not been raised in 16 years, according to the candidate discussion reported by WSBT 22. The source does not quantify how the proposed tariff elimination or spending reductions would change consumer prices.

The players

Rudy Yakym

Rudy Yakym is the Republican incumbent representing Indiana's 2nd Congressional District and is seeking a third term.

Jamee Decio

Jamee Decio is the Democratic candidate for Indiana's 2nd Congressional District, entering the race for the first time.

William Henry

William Henry is the Libertarian candidate for Indiana's 2nd Congressional District, making his third run for the seat.

The details

WSBT 22 interviewed all three candidates about their plans to address the rising cost of living. Decio said eliminating tariffs would be the first step, while Henry proposed reducing government spending and Yakym emphasized protecting existing tax cuts and expanding energy exploration to lower gas prices.

Candidates made their final appeals ahead of Election Day, November 2, 2026.

Economic Policy Divide

The minimum wage has remained at $7.25 per hour since the 2009 federal increase, and Decio's proposal to raise it contrasts with Yakym's emphasis on protecting existing tax cuts. The candidates' divergent approaches reflect a broader partisan split over whether wage floors or tax policy better address living costs.

Voters weighing these candidates face a choice between proposals to raise the minimum wage, cut tariffs, or expand energy production, each with different implications for household budgets. Candidates' stated plans offer a starting point for comparing how each would affect everyday costs such as wages and fuel.

The takeaway

Comparing each candidate's stated approach to affordability can help Indiana voters weigh which economic priorities align with their household needs. Reviewing specific policy details before Election Day can clarify the trade-offs each candidate is proposing.