Greencastle, Indiana, January 15, 2026
Congressman Jim Baird has officially declared his candidacy for re-election in Indiana’s 4th Congressional District. This announcement sets the stage for a competitive Republican primary with several challengers, including state representatives and a software engineer. Recent events, including a car accident involving Baird and his wife, add to the dynamic landscape as the election approaches. Voters can expect debates and campaign events as candidates seek to gain support.
Congressman Jim Baird Announces Re-election Bid Amidst Competitive Primary
Greencastle, Indiana – Congressman Jim Baird has officially announced his candidacy for re-election to represent Indiana’s 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. This decision sets the stage for a competitive Republican primary, with several challengers entering the race.
Primary Election Landscape
The Republican primary is shaping up to be a contentious contest. In addition to incumbent Congressman Baird, the field includes:
- Chad Elwartowski, a software engineer
- Craig Haggard, state representative for the 57th district (2022–present)
- Anthony Hustedt-Mai, a doctoral student
These candidates are vying for the party’s nomination, indicating a potentially divisive primary season.
Recent Developments
On January 5, 2026, Congressman Baird and his wife were involved in a car accident while traveling from Indiana to Washington, D.C. Both were hospitalized following the incident. Their son, Beau Baird, reported that they are “safe, stable, and in good spirits.”
Background on Congressman Baird
Jim Baird, born on June 4, 1945, has a longstanding career in public service. Before his tenure in Congress, he served in the Indiana House of Representatives from 2010 to 2018 and as a Putnam County commissioner from 2006 to 2010. He has been representing Indiana’s 4th Congressional District since 2019.
Looking Ahead
As the election approaches, the 4th Congressional District is poised for a dynamic political contest. Voters can anticipate a series of debates and campaign events as candidates present their platforms and vie for support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Congressman Jim Baird?
Jim Baird is a Republican politician representing Indiana’s 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He has served in this role since 2019 and has a background in the Indiana House of Representatives and as a Putnam County commissioner.
What is the current status of Congressman Baird’s health?
On January 5, 2026, Congressman Baird and his wife were involved in a car accident while traveling from Indiana to Washington, D.C. Both were hospitalized following the incident. Their son, Beau Baird, reported that they are “safe, stable, and in good spirits.”
Who are the other candidates in the Republican primary for Indiana’s 4th Congressional District?
In addition to incumbent Congressman Baird, the Republican primary field includes:
- Chad Elwartowski, a software engineer
- Craig Haggard, state representative for the 57th district (2022–present)
- Anthony Hustedt-Mai, a doctoral student
These candidates are vying for the party’s nomination, indicating a potentially divisive primary season.
What is the significance of the upcoming election in Indiana’s 4th Congressional District?
The election is significant as it will determine the representative for Indiana’s 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. With multiple candidates entering the Republican primary, the race is expected to be competitive, reflecting the district’s political dynamics.
Key Features of the Upcoming Election
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incumbent Candidate | Jim Baird |
| Challengers | Chad Elwartowski, Craig Haggard, Anthony Hustedt-Mai |
| Primary Election Date | To be announced |
| General Election Date | To be announced |
| District Location | West-central Indiana, including Lafayette and the western suburbs of Indianapolis |
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Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
