VINCENNES — Vincennes Mayor Joe Yochum has announced his candidacy for Indiana State Senate
District 39, promising to bring decades of public service, practical experience, and a commitment to southwest Indiana to the Statehouse.
A Ballot Vacancy Nominating Caucus will be held at 7:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 23 at the Washington City Council Chambers, 200 Harned Avenue in Washington, Indiana, to confirm Yochum’s nomination for the November 3 election.
Yochum has served as mayor of Vincennes for the past 15 years, working with Republicans, Democrats and Independents to strengthen the city, support economic development and improve residents’ quality of life.
“For too long, decisions made in Indianapolis and Washington, D.C. have taken resources away from our cities and towns without considering the consequences for the people who live here,” Yochum said. “Southwest Indiana deserves a state senator who understands our communities, listens to local leaders and will stand up for the resources our families depend on.”
As mayor, Yochum has overseen major infrastructure and community improvement projects, including the Riverwalk, Main Street and Second Street improvements, the Kimmell Road extension, Rainbow Beach renovations and critical levee certification projects. His administration has also worked with economic development partners to attract businesses and encourage investment throughout the region.
Yochum said his campaign will focus on protecting local communities, supporting public safety, strengthening infrastructure, expanding economic opportunities and ensuring southwest Indiana receives its fair share of state funding.
Yochum began his public service career at age 18 as a volunteer firefighter and served for 32 years, including four years as chief of the Vincennes Fire Department. First elected mayor in 2011, he is now serving his fourth term. His regional service has included leadership roles with the Grow Southwest Indiana Workforce Development Board and Southern Indiana Development Commission Executive Board. He currently serves on the Accelerate Indiana Municipalities Board of Directors.
“I have spent my life working alongside the people who call southwest Indiana home,” Yochum said. “I will bring a common-sense, bipartisan approach to the Indiana Senate. This campaign is about service, not politics, and delivering results for the people of District 39.”
A lifelong Knox County resident, Yochum graduated from Vincennes Lincoln High School and earned an associate degree in business management from Vincennes University. He and his wife, Susan, have five children and 15 grandchildren.
To learn more about Joe Yochum and his campaign for Indiana State Senate District 39, visit joeyochum.com.
About Joe Yochum
Joe Yochum is a lifelong Knox County resident who has dedicated his career to serving his community. He served for 32 years as a firefighter, including four years as City of Vincennes Fire Chief, before being elected mayor of Vincennes in 2011. Now serving his fourth term as mayor, Joe is running for Indiana State Senate District 39 to bring practical experience, a bipartisan approach, and a strong voice for southwest Indiana to the Statehouse.
