❓WHAT HAPPENED: Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN) and his wife were hospitalized following a car crash on Monday night.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Indiana Rep. Jim Baird, his wife, and House Republicans.
📍WHEN & WHERE: The collision occurred on Monday, January 5, with Baird’s hospitalization announced on Tuesday.
💬KEY QUOTE: “They’re going to be OK, but they had a pretty bad accident.” – President Donald J. Trump
🎯IMPACT: Baird’s absence complicates House GOP’s razor-thin majority for legislative votes, especially following the death of Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) on Monday.
Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN), 80, and his wife have been hospitalized following a car crash. Baird, who represents Indiana‘s 4th congressional district, is currently in stable condition and responsive, according to his son, Beau Baird, a state lawmaker in Indiana.
“Many of you have likely heard by now that Congressman Jim Baird’s vehicle was struck last night while he was driving back to Washington to continue his work for Hoosiers. My mom was with him at the time. I’m grateful to share that they are both safe, stable, and in good spirits,” Beau Baird wrote in a post on social media regarding the car accident and the condition of his father and mother. He added, “Anyone who knows my dad knows his determination runs deep, and he’s already joking about getting back to the House floor to vote, especially with margins this tight.”
The congressman’s son also revealed that the accident was a hit-and-run, stating, “Several people have asked whether this was politically motivated. At this time, there is no information to suggest that, and we sincerely hope that is not the case. Because this was a hit-and-run, law enforcement is actively investigating and trying to find the vehicle that struck them.”
Baird has served in Congress since 2019, representing a largely rural district with a significant agricultural industry presence. Prior to serving in Congress, he was a member of the Indiana House of Representatives from 2010 to 2018, and a Putnam County commissioner from 2006 to 2010.
President Donald J. Trump addressed the situation during remarks at the House Republican policy retreat, stating, “They’re going to be OK, but they had a pretty bad accident.” Trump also paid tribute to the late Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), who passed away on Monday.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) noted that Baird might be dealing with a spinal injury resulting from the crash. The GOP already faces challenges with a 218-213 majority, and Baird’s absence, along with the unexpected passing of the late Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), leaves Republicans with an effective two-vote majority for passing legislation.
Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
