Biography
Jim Baird, born on June 4, 1945, in Illinois, is a lifelong resident of West Central Indiana and a dedicated public servant. He currently represents Indiana's 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, a position he has held since January 3, 2019. A member of the Republican Party, Baird has a rich history of service, both in the military and in various governmental roles.
Before his tenure in Congress, Baird served as a State Representative in the Indiana General Assembly from 2010 to 2018, representing House District 44, which includes Putnam County and portions of Clay, Morgan, Owen, and Parke counties. His commitment to public service began earlier as a Putnam County Commissioner from 2006 to 2010.
A decorated Vietnam War veteran, Baird served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army's 523rd Transportation Company from 1970 to 1971. His valor was recognized with numerous awards, including the Bronze Star with "V" device, two Purple Hearts, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. His unit was inducted into the U.S. Army Transportation Corps Hall of Fame for their heroism during Operation Lam Son 719.
In addition to his military and political careers, Baird is a successful businessman. He has owned and operated Baird Family Farms since 1980 and founded Indiana Home Care Plus in 1984, providing home healthcare services to the community.
Baird is married to his high school sweetheart, Danise, and together they have three children, all graduates of Purdue University. He is an active member of several local organizations, including the Rotary Club of Greencastle, the Putnam County Fair and 4-H Club Association, and the American Legion.
Education
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Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Purdue University
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Master of Science in Animal Science from Purdue University
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Doctorate in Monogastric Nutrition from the University of Kentucky
Political Experience
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U.S. Representative for Indiana's 4th Congressional District
- Member of the House Committee on Agriculture
- Chairman of the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology
- Member of the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry
- Member of the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture, and Horticulture
- Member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
- Member of the Subcommittee on Energy
- Member of the Subcommittee on Research and Technology
- Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs
- Member of the Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia
- Member of the Subcommittee on Africa
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State Representative for Indiana House District 44
- Member of the Ways and Means Committee
- Chairman of the Health and Medicaid Subcommittee
- Member of the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee
- Member of the Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee
- Member of the Environmental Affairs Committee
- Member of the Statutory Committee on Ethics
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Putnam County Commissioner
Notable Achievements
- Recipient of the Agriculture Legislator of the Year Award from the Agriculture Retailers Association in 2024, recognizing his support for American farmers and agriculture suppliers.
- Announced his candidacy for a fourth term in Congress in October 2023, emphasizing the need for capable conservative leadership.
Throughout his career, Jim Baird has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to serving his country and community, leveraging his diverse experiences in agriculture, business, and public service to advocate for the interests of his constituents in Indiana's 4th Congressional District.
