Indiana Republican Congressman Jim Baird was taken to the hospital after being involved in a vehicle-related accident, according to officials. The 80-year-old lawmaker is reported to be conscious and in stable condition. No additional details about the circumstances of the crash have been released at this time.
Baird has represented Indiana’s 4th Congressional District since 2019, a largely rural region spanning western and north-central Indiana. During his time in Congress, he has focused heavily on agricultural policy and veterans’ issues, earning recognition among lawmakers for his work in those areas.
Prior to his election to the U.S. House of Representatives, Baird served in the Indiana House from 2010 to 2018 and previously held office as a Putnam County commissioner.
Baird Praised Trump Administration Days Before Accident
Just days before the incident, Baird publicly applauded the Trump administration following the reported apprehension of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. In a post on X, the congressman emphasized the role of strong executive leadership in protecting American interests and combating international crime.
Baird stated that holding indicted individuals accountable and cutting off safe havens for drug traffickers sends a clear message about the United States’ commitment to addressing the flow of fentanyl and other illegal drugs into American communities.
House Republicans Face Another Loss With Death of Doug LaMalfa
The update on Baird’s condition came the same day House Republicans confirmed the death of California Rep. Doug LaMalfa at age 65. LaMalfa represented California’s 1st Congressional District and previously served as chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer confirmed the news in a statement, describing LaMalfa as a devoted family man and a strong advocate for rural America.
“Doug was a loving husband and father who worked tirelessly for his constituents and for communities often overlooked in Washington,” Emmer said.
LaMalfa was widely regarded as a reliable conservative voice and was known for maintaining respectful relationships with colleagues and members of the media.
GOP Majority Narrows Further in the House
LaMalfa’s death, combined with the recent resignation of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, leaves House Republicans with an increasingly narrow majority. Party leaders now face tighter margins when attempting to pass legislation along party lines.
Republican lawmakers returned to Washington this week for an all-day policy planning session at the newly renamed Trump Kennedy Center. President Donald Trump addressed GOP members Tuesday morning as they prepare legislative priorities for the second half of the 119th Congress.
Tributes for LaMalfa continued to pour in from colleagues nationwide. National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Richard Hudson praised the late congressman as a steadfast advocate for farmers, working families, and rural communities.
California Rep. Young Kim also honored LaMalfa, calling him a kind and principled leader whose presence in Congress will be deeply missed.
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