Rachel Baker

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]

Rachel Baker
Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the 27th district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 3, 2023
Preceded by	Tom Brinkman Jr.
Personal details
Born	(1975-05-29) May 29, 1975 (age 50)
Political party	Democratic
Children	3
Residence	Anderson Township, Ohio
Education	University of Michigan (BS) University of Cincinnati (BSN) University of Michigan (MSW) University of Cincinnati (PhD)

Early life and career

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 employed 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]

Ohio House of Representatives

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 later sought reelection for the same position in 2024, winning the general election with 55.8% of the vote.^[10]

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.^[11]

In 2021, Baker ran unsuccessfully to serve on the board of the Forest Hills Local School District.^[12] 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.^[13]