No one saw this coming. It’s a reminder of how things can quickly change for the worst.
And a terrifying accident left this Republican in the hospital.
Rep. Jim Baird from Indiana, a solid Republican who’s been standing up for Hoosiers in the House since 2019, along with his wife, are on the mend after a nasty car crash.
This comes straight from President Trump himself, who didn’t hold back during his speech to House GOP members.
“I also want to send our best wishes to Congressman Jim Baird and his wife, who are recovering from a car accident,” Trump stated.
“They are going to be okay but they had a pretty bad accident and we’re praying that they get out of the hospital very quickly.”
Trump kept it real, adding, “He’s going to be fine. She’s going to be fine, but it was a bad accident.”
This revelation about Baird’s wreck surfaced right around the bombshell of a loss in Congress: the unexpected passing of Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R) from California at just 65.
From Baird’s camp, a spokesperson stepped up with an update: “Congressman Baird is in the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery, and he is extraordinarily grateful for everyone’s prayers during this time.”
They didn’t stop there, emphasizing the grit that defines conservative reps: “Congressman Baird looks forward to continuing his work on behalf of Hoosiers. The Office of Congressman Baird will continue to provide services and support for those who need it.”
And in true fighting spirit, the statement hammered home the dedication: “Congressman Baird and his office remain steadfast in their commitment to serving constituents and focused on advocating for Hoosiers at the highest levels of government.”
Baird’s accident throws another wrench into the GOP’s slim grip on the House, which has narrowed to 218-213 after LaMalfa’s death and the retirement of firebrand Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia, kicking in this past Monday.
But Baird’s no stranger to the trenches. He’s represented Indiana’s 4th District since 2019, zeroing in on the issues that matter to real Americans: supporting veterans who’ve sacrificed everything and backing farmers who feed the nation.
Shifting to the loss of LaMalfa, Trump gave a tribute during that same address at the newly named Trump-Kennedy Center.
“I want to express our tremendous sorrow at the loss of a great member — great, great, great member — Congressman Doug LaMalfa, who passed away yesterday, as you probably have heard,” the president stated.
Trump highlighted what made LaMalfa a standout:
“He was the leader of the Western Caucus, a fierce champion on California water issues, he was great on water. He wanted to — ‘Release the water,’ he’d scream out — and a true defender of American children.”
“He was a defender of everybody. And our hearts go out to his wife, Jill, and his entire family. You know, he voted with me 100% of the time.”
LaMalfa’s death marks the fourth in the 119th Congress, following three Democrats who passed last year.
