Rep. Jim Baird, R-Ind., has been hospitalized after a car accident, his office said Tuesday.
“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,” Baird’s office said in a statement. “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. 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,” it added.
President Trump referenced Baird’s accident earlier Tuesday, saying that his wife, Danise Baird, was also in the vehicle.
“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,” the president told House Republicans during the GOP retreat at the Kennedy Center.
“He’s going to be fine, she’s going to be fine, but it was a bad accident,” he added.
Baird, 80, has represented the Hoosier State’s 4th congressional district since 2019. Prior to that, he spent eight years in the Indiana House.
He is the vice chair of the House Agriculture Committee and also serves on the Science, Space and Technology and Foreign Affairs committees.
He and his wife have three children. The two were high school sweethearts, according to Baird’s website.
Also Tuesday, Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif., died Tuesday at the age of 65. Trump acknowledged LaMalfa’s death during his speech at the Kennedy Center and called the late congressman a “fierce champion on California water issues.”
“I was really saddened by his passing,” the president said.