| Rachel Baker | |
| State House: | Ohio |
| State: | Ohio |
| District: | 27th |
| Term Start: | January 3, 2023 |
| Preceded: | Tom Brinkman Jr. |
| Birth Date: | 29 May 1975 |
| Party: | Democratic |
| Residence: | Anderson Township, Ohio |
| Children: | 3 |
| Education: | University of Michigan (BS) University of Cincinnati (BSN) University of Michigan (MSW) University of Cincinnati (PhD) |
Rachel B. Baker (May 29, 1975) is a nurse and American politician who has served as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives since 2023. Representing the 27th district, Baker's constituency encompasses eastern Hamilton County, including portions of Cincinnati.[1]
Baker earned a Bachelor of Science (in psychology) from the University of Michigan, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati. She went on to receive a Masters of Social Work from the University of Michigan's Rackham Graduate School in 1999, and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Cincinnati in 2006.[2]
Baker is currently employeed by Cincinnati-based TriHealth Inc. as a Nurse Researcher. She also concurrently serves as an adjunct professor for the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing.[3]
With incumbent Representative Tom Brinkman unable to re-run in 2022 due to term limits, Baker and four others sought to replace him.[4] In the Democratic primary, Baker defeated former Cincinnati mayoral candidate Gavi Begtrup with 62% of the vote,[5] despite being outspent by an almost 3-to-1 ratio.[6] [7] In the general election, Baker earned 56% of the vote, defeating Republican anti-abortion activist Jenn Giroux.[8] Baker was sworn into the position on January 3, 2023.[9]
Baker serves as the ranking member of the Aviation and Aerospace Committee, and as a member of the Behavioral Health, Health Provider Services, Public Health Policy, and Technology and Innovation Committees.[10]
In 2021, Baker ran unsuccessfully to serve on the board of the Forest Hills Local School District.[11] During her tenure as state representative, Baker has criticized the board, which she claims refused to meet with her due to her Democratic party affiliation.[12]