Rep. Jim Baird was released from the hospital less than a day after being involved in a serious car accident with his wife, according to a statement from his office Tuesday night.
Baird’s staff shared an update on social media, posting a photo of the Indiana Republican wearing a neck brace with a visible bruise beneath his left eye. The office said Baird is recovering at home, while his wife, Danise, remains hospitalized and “continues to receive excellent care as she recovers.”
“Rep. Jim Baird and his family expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support, and he thanks everyone for their prayers and well wishes,” the statement said.
More details about the crash were provided earlier in the day by the couple’s son, Beau Baird. In a Facebook post, Beau Baird said his parents were driving back to Washington, D.C., late Monday night when their vehicle was struck. He said both were stable following the incident and remained “in good spirits.”
“The outpouring of support and prayers has meant more to me and my family than I can put into words,” Beau Baird wrote. He asked supporters to continue keeping the family in their thoughts and prayers, adding that his father’s dedication to public service remains unchanged.
“Jim Baird remains fully committed to serving his constituents, and that commitment has not changed,” he said.
Beau Baird also addressed speculation surrounding the crash, stating there was no information suggesting the incident was politically motivated. He noted that the collision was a hit-and-run and that law enforcement authorities are actively investigating the case and working to identify the vehicle involved.
Jim Baird, 80, has represented Indiana’s 4th Congressional District since 2019. Before being elected to Congress, he served eight years in the Indiana House of Representatives. In Washington, Baird currently serves as vice chair of the House Agriculture Committee and is also a member of the Science, Space and Technology Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Baird and his wife have three children and have been married for decades. According to Baird’s congressional biography, the couple were high school sweethearts.
The crash drew national attention, including from President Donald Trump, who referenced the incident during remarks to House Republicans at a GOP retreat held at the Kennedy Center on Tuesday.
“He’s going to be fine, she’s going to be fine, but it was a bad accident,” Trump told lawmakers.
The comments reflected the concern expressed across Capitol Hill following news of the crash, as well as relief that the congressman was released so quickly. While Danise Baird continues her recovery in the hospital, the family has emphasized gratitude for the medical care she is receiving and for the support pouring in from across the country.
As the investigation into the hit-and-run continues, Baird’s office said updates will be provided as appropriate. For now, supporters and colleagues alike have focused on the recovery of both Jim and Danise Baird, offering prayers and encouragement as the family works through the aftermath of the accident.
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