Scott Baugh

Scott Randall Baugh (born July 4, 1962) is an American attorney and politician. He is a member of the Republican Party. He served in the California State Assembly and served as the chair of the Republican Party in Orange County, California, from the early 2000s to 2015. he served as minority leader of the California Assembly. After leaving office, he became the chairman of the local Republican Party.

Early life and education Scott Baugh was born in 1962 in Redding, California, Baugh grew up on a 10-acre farm Baugh played as a middle linebacker The recall election took place on November 28, 1995, and Allen was recalled with 65.19% voting to recall her. Baugh was endorsed by Governor Pete Wilson, the Republican Party of Orange County, the Orange County congressional delegation, and Republican members of the state legislature. Baugh won the replacement election, getting 40.9% of the vote.

Later, Baugh was involved in a controversy around the election that had legal ramifications. Most of the original charges against Baugh were dismissed after a local judge ruled that the prosecutor's office had engaged in prosecutorial misconduct

While serving in the state legislature, Baugh focused his attention on judicial reform, liability laws and health insurance. This legislation is believed to have saved Californians 350 million dollars. a post he held until he was termed out in December 2000. Baugh was elected chairman of the Republican Party of Orange County, succeeding Tom Fuentes. Under his leadership, the party moderated In this capacity, he raised over $2 million for Romney in Orange County.

Baugh supported Romney in the 2012 presidential election. During the 2012 Republican Party presidential primaries, Baugh served as a California delegate.

In January 2015, Baugh stepped down as party chair and was succeeded by Fred Whitaker.

U.S. House of Representatives

2022

After redistricting took place in 2021, Baugh was the Republican candidate for California's 47th congressional district in the 2022 election. He ran under the endorsement of several Republicans, including then House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. He advanced to the general election, where he lost to incumbent Democrat Katie Porter. He lost by 9,000 votes and was out-fundraised by Porter 28 million to 3 million.

2024

Baugh was the Republican candidate for California's 47th congressional district in the 2024 election. The seat was open in 2024 as incumbent Katie Porter ran for a U.S. Senate seat, but lost. Baugh advanced from the March 2024 primary election, where he lost to Democrat Dave Min. He lost by approximately 10,000 votes, conceding on Twitter "It has become clear that despite running a strong campaign, connecting with voters, and mobilizing an incredible volunteer effort - that effort is going to come up a little short."

Political positions

Abortion After the Dobbs decision, Baugh has described abortion as a “state-by-state issue".

In 2022, Baugh stated “Life begins at conception. Others may disagree as to precisely when life begins, but there should be no disagreement as to whether it is OK to abort children who have reached the point of viability. We need to promote a culture of life in America – not a culture of termination.”

Balanced Budget Baugh is a proponent for responsible government spending and believes that the federal deficit needs to be balanced urgently. Additionally, he's an advocate for a constitutional amendment to require congress to balance the budget.

Congressional stock trading Baugh opposes congressional stock trading and has called for all members of Congress to forego trading.

Foreign Aid Baugh has called for reduced foreign aid by America "...the Litmus test for providing military and/or financial aid to foreign countries is whether America is protecting its citizens and is that aid promoting our national security interest. Far too often, our representatives entangle the U.S. in foreign affairs and foreign wars with very thin connections to national security, costing American lives and billions of dollars". Baugh has further commented, "... when it is clear that our national security is at risk ... the U.S. should provide assistance."

Immigration and border security Baugh has expressed support for legal immigration and also supports strict enforcement of immigration law, such as employer verification. He is against mass deportation and advocates for a nuanced approach, believing that each case should have the circumstances of the person's behaviour taken into account.

Electoral history

State Assembly

1995

1996

1998

Congressional

2018

2022

2024