Meet Sam Locke
Sam was literally brought to the Democrat tent at the Fayette County Free Fair the week he was born, and has been passionate about our political system his entire life - believing that government, in the words of former Indiana Congressman Lee Hamilton, should protect “Those least, those last, and those lost.” This belief was fostered throughout his childhood while watching his grandparents live out the ideals of the Democratic Party in their communities. Sam's grandfather, also named Sam, is the former Fayette County and long-time 9th Congressional District Chairman. His grandmother, Janet Wright, is the former Clerk, Auditor and Recorder of Union County. Sam is proud to have his two biggest mentors serve as the Honorary Chairs of his campaign.
Sam was born and raised in Connersville, Indiana, the son of Jeff Locke and Janice Steele Locke, and graduated from Connersville Senior High School. He went on to attend Indiana University – Bloomington on a ROTC scholarship and graduated with a BS in Secondary Education and BA in Political Science before being commissioned an officer in the Air Force.
Perhaps his best accomplishment at IU was meeting Kara, now his wife, on freshmen move in day to the dorm for the “Legal Issues” Freshmen Interest Group – the two have shared years of vigorous political debate and supporting of one another.
Sam earned his Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Wyoming while serving in the Air Force at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base. After leaving the military, Sam has helped generate over $20 million dollars as a fundraiser, consultant, and operations manager in the non-profit industry. He is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the American Legion, and an Eagle Scout. He is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana, the Indiana University I-Association, lifetime member of the Indiana University Alumni Association and member of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity. Additionally, Sam is the current Treasurer of the Floyd County Democratic Central Committee and Chairman of the 9th Congressional District Young Democrats.
Sam and Kara currently live in Floyds Knobs, Indiana. They are avid Indiana University sports fans and are currently training for a Marathon to raise awareness for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Sam believes that candidates for public office at any level should be easily accessible and may be contacted via email at samuel.locke@gmail.com.