Yochum to run for Indiana State Senate

Monday, July 20, 2026 at 1:59 PM

By Steve Anderson

It appears as if Vincennes Mayor Joe Yochum will throw his hat into the ring for the Indiana State Senate.

It was announced Monday, July 20th that he is expected to be selected as the Democratic candidate for the Senate District 39 seat by vote of a Democratic caucus in Washington, Indiana Thursday, July 23rd at 7 p.m. EDT.

The District 39 seat is currently held by Republican Eric Bassler of Washington, who is not seeking re-election. Republican Jeff Ellington of Bloomfield won a three-way primary in May and was to have faced Democratic candidate Joesph Baughman of Vincennes in the November general election.

However, Baughman withdrew from the race in June due to lack of campaign funding and faith-based personal conflicts in running for the office.