Stephanie Yocum

Stephanie Yocum was born in Marion, Indiana. She earned a high school diploma from Marion High School and a bachelor's degree from Hanover College in 2003. Her career experience includes working as a nonprofit executive.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I always show up.

I am a born-and-raised Hoosier, and I love this state. That’s exactly why I can’t stand by and watch political extremism make life harder for Indiana families. Hoosiers deserve leaders who listen, who solve problems, and who put people ahead of politics. They deserve leaders who are present, accessible, and willing to fight for them every single day — not just when it’s convenient. They deserve leaders who show up.

That’s why I’m running. I’ll fight to lower costs for working families, strengthen our public schools, protect local decision-making, and defend the freedoms that belong to every Hoosier. This campaign isn’t about partisan politics or political games. It’s about making government work for the people it serves, ensuring your voice is heard, and building an Indiana where every family has the opportunity to succeed, thrive, and call this state home for generations to come.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

PROTECT AND STRENGTHEN PUBLIC EDUCATION: Public schools are the foundation of strong communities and a strong economy. Every child deserves access to a high-quality education, no matter their zip code. But in recent years, our state legislature has diverted more and more funding away from public schools, while placing additional burdens on educators.

As State Representative, I will work to:

Fully fund public schools so every classroom has the resources students need.

Support and retain teachers by respecting their profession and investing in their success.

Ensure transparency and accountability for how education dollars are spent.

Protect local decision-making by school boards and communities.PROTECT YOUR PAY: Across our district, families are feeling the pressure of rising costs — from housing to childcare to everyday essentials. We need policies that make life more affordable and help families build long term economic strength.

As State Representative, I will work to:

Expand access to affordable childcare so parents can work and children can thrive.

Support housing solutions that help families, young professionals, and seniors find homes they can afford.

Protect taxpayers by ensuring responsible budgeting and transparent spending.

Strengthen our local economies by supporting small businesses and workforce growth.Communities know what works best for their residents. But increasingly, the state legislature has taken power away from local leaders — overriding decisions about development, schools, judicial appointments, and community planning. Strong communities depend on leaders who trust local voices.

As State Representative, I will work to:

Restore decision-making authority to local governments.

Protect the ability of communities to plan responsible growth and development.

Ensure residents have a real voice in the decisions that affect their neighborhoods.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I have worked in leadership positions for education and healthcare organizations for the last 20 years. Those experiences have made me deeply passionate about policies that strengthen public education, improve access to affordable healthcare and mental health services, support children and families, and make it possible for working Hoosiers to build stable, healthy lives.

I have also learned that the best solutions rarely come from one person, one organization, or one side of the aisle. Throughout my career, I have brought together educators, families, community organizations, businesses, and policymakers to solve problems collaboratively and turn good ideas into practical solutions.

That is the approach I would bring to the Statehouse.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

AFL-CIO, CWA, IN Reproductive Freedom PAC

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My parents taught me that to be kind and caring toward one another, you do not always have to agree with one another. They set the example that there is always something that can bring people together. My mother and step-father were both educators, my father a law enforcement officer, and my step-mother a volunteer for many community organizations. They modeled for me that compassion for others and service to community are not only the right things to do but create a joyful and fulfilling life.

A Hoosier through and through - I graduated from Marion High School in Marion and attended Hanover College in Hanover. After graduation, I served two years as an AmeriCorps member providing mentorship for high school students. I have more than 20 years experience in nonprofit leadership in the education and healthcare fields, and I now serve as a Vice President for a large nonprofit focused on education and the well-being of young children. I serve as the Chair of the Governor-appointed Commission on service and volunteerism for the state, Serve Indiana, and I actively advocate for national service at the federal level.

I am the mom of the coolest five-year-old and the wife of the funniest man I know. We reserve nearly every Friday evening for family dinner with our extended family at one of the many amazing local restaurants nearby. I love my life and where I live, and I am committed to working hard for my family, my community, and my state!

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I am running to ensure balanced and fair representation for our district and our state. The extreme right supermajority in the Statehouse does not represent the people of Indiana. We need to move away from the extremes and divisiveness and towards working together to solve the challenges in our state.My leadership is rooted in collaboration. I believe that we CAN and we MUST come together for the betterment of all. I am driven by my three core values: compassion, community, and connection; these values underscore all that I do. I aim to bridge divides, strengthen community bonds, and ensure that every Hoosier feels valued and supported. I am committed to propelling our state from good to great!According to the U.S. News and World Report, Indiana is 43rd in heath care, 50th in the natural environment, and we don’t break the top 15 in education. As your next Representative, I will work towards a future where Indiana is a state where people choose to live, businesses operate, and all thrive.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My career has focused on ensuring high quality access to both education and healthcare and that continues to be policy areas both that I am passionate about and experienced in. I am also focused on ensuring all people who work a 40 hour a week job are making a wage that allows them to support themselves and their family. Additionally equal rights for all people including bodily autonomy and freedom of and from religion are areas of focus.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity, ability to connect with and listen to others, dedication and commitment to supporting all people.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am a consensus builder. I not only can, but enjoy, working with others with diverse experiences and opinions. Bringing folks together allows for the best solutions to problems for all people.