{{Short description|American politician (born 1962)}} {{use mdy dates|date=August 2024}} {{infobox officeholder | name = Scott Baugh | image = ScottBaugh.jpg | office = Minority Leader of the California Assembly | term_start = April 6, 1999 | term_end = November 9, 2000 | predecessor = Rod Pacheco | successor = Bill Campbell | office1 = Member of the California State Assembly<br />from the 67th district | term_start1 = November 29, 1995 | term_end1 = November 30, 2000 | predecessor1 = Doris Allen | successor1 = Tom Harman | birth_name = Scott Randall Baugh | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1962|7|4}} | birth_place = Redding, California, U.S. | death_date = | death_place = | party = Republican | spouse = Wendy Baugh (m. 1997) | children = 1 | education = Liberty University (BS)<br />University of the Pacific (JD) | website = {{URL|baughforcongress.com|Campaign website}} }} '''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<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kang |first1=Hanna |title=In Orange County's open congressional race, does prior experience matter? |website=Orange County Register}}</ref> and served as the chair of the Republican Party in Orange County, California, from the early 2000s to 2015.<ref name="OC Register - Standard Republican To Lead Party - 2015" />

Baugh attended Liberty University and McGeorge School of Law. After graduating, Baugh served as an attorney in private practice in Huntington Beach. Baugh entered politics after a recall was initiated in 1995 for the 67th district of the state assembly;<ref name="OC Weekly 2013">{{cite web |last1=Moxley |first1=Riley |title=SCOTT BAUGH, ORANGE COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY CHAIRMAN, TO RUN FOR CALIFORNIA STATE SENATE? |url=https://www.ocweekly.com/scott-baugh-orange-county-republican-party-chairman-to-run-for-california-state-senate-6475036/ |website=OC Weekly |date=August 25, 2013 |access-date=July 31, 2024}}</ref> he served as minority leader of the California Assembly.<ref name="LA Times - Baugh Comeback - 1999">{{cite web |last1=Hill-Holtzman |first1=Nancy |title=Scott Baugh Emerges To Lead A Combeack |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-apr-13-mn-26995-story.html |website=Los Angeles Times |date=April 13, 1999 |access-date=August 5, 2024}}</ref> After leaving office, he became the chairman of the local Republican Party.<ref name="OC Weekly 2013" />

Baugh was a twice unsuccessful Republican nominee for California's 47th congressional district in 2022 and 2024, losing to Democrats Katie Porter and Dave Min respectively.<ref name="results2">{{cite news |date=March 8, 2024 |title=Democrat Min to face Republican Baugh in California's competitive 47th Congressional District |url=https://apnews.com/article/california-house-election-2024-primary-super-tuesday-fd2808aad5069c950bf0ce5f246f7661 |access-date=March 18, 2024 |work=AP News |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Vakil |first=Caroline |date=2024-11-13 |title=Democrat Dave Min wins California House seat to replace Porter |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4971643-democrat-wins-california-house-seat-to-replace-porter/ |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=The Hill |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Early life and education == Scott Baugh was born in 1962 in Redding, California,<ref name="LA Times - Doris Allen Recall - 1995" /> to Helen and Cason Baugh.<ref name="votesmart_baugh">{{cite web |url=https://votesmart.org/candidate/biography/8454/scott-baugh |title=Scott Baugh's Biography |website=Votesmart.org |access-date=May 3, 2019}}</ref> Baugh grew up on a 10-acre farm<ref name="Log Angeles Times - Baugh Gains - 1997" /> in Redding, California. His father ran a linen supply business,<ref name="LA Times - Doris Allen Recall - 1995" /> and also leased ranchland.<ref name="Log Angeles Times - Baugh Gains - 1997" /> He was the fourth of five children.<ref name="LA Times - Doris Allen Recall - 1995">{{cite web |last1=Trounson |first1=Rebecca |last2=Hall |first2=Len |title=THE RECALL OF DORIS ALLEN : Novice Victor Is 'Loyal Republican' : Profile: New Assemblyman Scott Baugh credits conservative philosophy for his success. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-11-29-mn-8458-story.html#:~:text=Scott%20Baugh,%20a%20Huntington%20Beach%20resident%20and%20the%20most%20conservative |work=Los Angeles Times |date=November 29, 1995 |access-date=3 October 2024 |archive-date=February 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221215508/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-11-29-mn-8458-story.html#:~:text=Scott%20Baugh,%20a%20Huntington%20Beach%20resident%20and%20the%20most%20conservative |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="OAC - Scott Baugh">{{cite web |last1=Mitchelln |first1=Kim |title=Inventory of the Scott Baugh Papers |url=https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/kt5199r7gw/entire_text/#:~:text=The%20Scott%20Baugh%20Papers%20consist%20of%203.5%20cubic%20feet%20of |access-date=2 October 2024 |website=Online Archive of California |publisher=California State Archives}}</ref> Baugh played as a middle linebacker<ref name="Log Angeles Times - Baugh Gains - 1997" /> on his high school football team, earning the nickname "Dr. Death"<ref name="Log Angeles Times - Baugh Gains - 1997" /> for his onfield prowess.

In 1984, Baugh earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Liberty University, graduating ''summa cum laude''.<ref name="OAC - Scott Baugh" /><ref name="LA Times - Doris Allen Recall - 1995" /> During his senior year in college, he served as an intern for a congressman on Capitol Hill.<ref name="Log Angeles Times - Baugh Gains - 1997" />

In 1987, Baugh earned his Juris Doctor, with honors, from the McGeorge School of Law.<ref name="LA Times - Baugh Phil - 1997">{{cite news |last1=Warren |first1=Peter |title=Baugh's Philosophy: 'Stand Up and Fight' |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-sep-22-me-35084-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |date=September 22, 1997 |access-date=August 2, 2024}}</ref><ref name="OAC - Scott Baugh" /><ref name="LA Times - Doris Allen Recall - 1995" /> After graduating from law school, Baugh became an attorney in Huntington Beach, California.

== Career ==

=== Lawyer === After graduating from law school, Baugh went into private practice with a law firm in Sacramento, California. He later joined the corporate office of Union Pacific Railroad.<ref name="Log Angeles Times - Baugh Gains - 1997" /><ref name="OAC - Scott Baugh" /><ref name="LA Times - Doris Allen Recall - 1995" />

===Assemblyman===

thumb|Baugh's official Assembly portrait In 1995, Baugh ran as a replacement candidate for the recall of Assemblywoman Doris Allen.<ref name="OAC - Scott Baugh" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-06-06-mn-9978-story.html|title=GOP's Allen Elected Speaker by Democrats : Assembly: First woman in post is shunned by her own party. She appoints Brown as Speaker emeritus.|date=June 6, 1995|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=February 28, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|date=1995-06-06|title=THE ASSEMBLY'S NEW SPEAKER : Conservatives Vow Allen Recall Effort : Politics: She is labeled a traitor by one Republican leader but grounds for party punishment are unclear.|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-06-06-mn-10011-story.html|access-date=2022-02-21|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|archive-date=February 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221212008/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-06-06-mn-10011-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|date=1995-09-12|title=Allen May Quit Post if Unable to Finance Fight|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-09-12-mn-45073-story.html|access-date=2022-02-21|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|archive-date=February 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221213705/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-09-12-mn-45073-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The recall election took place on November 28, 1995, and Allen was recalled with 65.19% voting to recall her.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Stephen Schwartz|date=1995-11-29|title=Doris Allen Recalled In Orange County / GOP lawyer likely to take her seat|url=https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Doris-Allen-Recalled-In-Orange-County-GOP-3018828.php|access-date=2022-02-21|website=Sfgate.com|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/recalls/complete-list-recall-attempts|title=Complete List of Recall Attempts|website=Sos.ca.gov|access-date=2022-02-28|archive-date=February 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218005459/https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/recalls/complete-list-recall-attempts|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="OAC - Inventory Scott Baugh - 2000">{{cite web |title=Inventory of the Scott Baugh Papers |url=https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/kt5199r7gw/ |website=Online Archive of California |access-date=August 12, 2024}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1995-11-29|title=THE RECALL OF DORIS ALLEN : Novice Victor Is 'Loyal Republican' : Profile: New Assemblyman Scott Baugh credits conservative philosophy for his success.|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-11-29-mn-8458-story.html|access-date=2022-02-21|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|archive-date=February 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221215508/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-11-29-mn-8458-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Baugh won the replacement election, getting 40.9% of the vote.<ref>{{cite web|title=Paul Bannai Sworn in|url=https://clerk.assembly.ca.gov/sites/clerk.assembly.ca.gov/files/archive/DailyJournal/1973/Volumes/7374vol1_10.pdf#page=5829|website=clerk.assembly.ca.gov|access-date=September 23, 2024|archive-date=September 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909082717/https://clerk.assembly.ca.gov/sites/clerk.assembly.ca.gov/files/archive/DailyJournal/1973/Volumes/7374vol1_10.pdf#page=5829|url-status=live}}</ref>

Later, Baugh was involved in a controversy around the election that had legal ramifications.<ref name="Log Angeles Times - Baugh Gains - 1997" /><ref name="LA Times - Baugh Phil - 1997"/> He was subsequently indicted.<ref>{{cite web | title=Baugh Indicted on Felony Charges in Campaign Ploy | website=Los Angeles Times | date=March 23, 1996 | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-03-23-mn-50374-story.html }}</ref> Most of the original charges against Baugh were dismissed<ref name="LA Times - Counts Against Baugh Dismissed - 1997">{{cite web |last1=Warren |first1=Peter |last2=Grad |first2=Shelby |title=Some Counts Against Baugh Dismissed |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-nov-27-mn-58148-story.html |website=Los Angeles Times |date=November 27, 1997 |access-date=August 3, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Los Angeles Times - 1999">{{cite web |last1=Pasco |first1=Jean |title=Election Violations Cost Baugh |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-jul-28-me-60372-story.html |website=Los Angeles Times |date=July 28, 1999 |access-date=August 1, 2024 |archive-date=July 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731223213/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-jul-28-me-60372-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> after a local judge ruled that the prosecutor's office had engaged in prosecutorial misconduct<ref name="Los Angeles Times - 1999" /> by failing to present exculpatory<ref name="LA Times - State Seeks Dismissal - 1999" /> evidence to the grand jury. The key witness was found to be "unreliable".<ref name="LA Times - Lawmakers Respect Law - 1999" /> The case was eventually turned over to a different prosecutor after a local judge found that the original attorney engaged in "grave misconduct".<ref name="Los Angeles Times - 1999" /> California Attorney General Bill Lockyer eventually requested that the judge overseeing the case dismiss<ref name="LA Times - State Seeks Dismissal - 1999">{{cite news |last1=Pasco |first1=Jean |title=State to Seek the Dismissal of Criminal Case on Baugh |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-mar-21-mn-19583-story.html |newspaper=LA Times |date=March 21, 1999 |access-date=August 2, 2024 |archive-date=August 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803051618/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-mar-21-mn-19583-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="LA Times - Baugh Comeback - 1999"/><ref name="LA Times - Lawmakers Respect Law - 1999" /> the criminal charges after the case deteriorated in light of the evidence.<ref name="LA Times - State Seeks Dismissal - 1999" /> The case was referred to the Fair Political Practices Commission by the attorney general<ref name="LA Times - Counts Against Baugh Dismissed - 1997" /> which eventually levied a fine for civil infractions.<ref name="Los Angeles Times - 1999" /><ref name="Log Angeles Times - Baugh Gains - 1997" /><ref name="LA Times - State Seeks Dismissal - 1999" /><ref name="LA Times - Baugh Comeback - 1999" /><ref name="LA Times - Lawmakers Respect Law - 1999">{{cite news |title=Lawmakers Must Respect Law |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-mar-23-me-20312-story.html |newspaper=LA Times |date=March 23, 1999 |access-date=August 12, 2024}}</ref>

While serving in the state legislature, Baugh focused his attention on judicial reform,<ref name="LA Times - Wrongful Conviction - 1999">{{cite web |last1=Hill-Holtzman |first1=Nancy |title=Senate OKs Restitution Bill for Those Wrongly Convicted : Legislation: Assemblyman Scott Baugh's measure would entitle former Tustin resident Kevin Lee Green to $620,000 for his 16-year incarceration. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-sep-10-mn-8784-story.html#:~:text=Assemblyman%20Scott%20Baugh%20(R-Huntington%20Beach)%20initiated%20the%20bill%20for%20state |work=Los Angeles Times |date=September 10, 1999 |access-date=3 October 2024 |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007091843/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-sep-10-mn-8784-story.html#:~:text=Assemblyman%20Scott%20Baugh%20(R-Huntington%20Beach)%20initiated%20the%20bill%20for%20state |url-status=live }}</ref> liability laws and health insurance.<ref name="OAC - Scott Baugh" /> Additionally, he authored a number of bills that focused on safety for minors.<ref name="OAC - Scott Baugh" />

====1997==== During his time in the State Assembly, Baugh worked against state regulation, including getting a bill passed that exempted new cars from smog checks for the first five years.<ref name="OC Republican Steps Down - Los Angeles Times - 2004">{{cite web |last1=Pasco |first1=Jean |title=O.C.'s Republican Chairman Steps Down |website=Los Angeles Times |date=March 16, 2004 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-mar-16-me-fuentes16-story.html |access-date=August 1, 2024 |archive-date=July 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731223214/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-mar-16-me-fuentes16-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Log Angeles Times - Baugh Gains - 1997">{{cite web |last1=BAILEY |first1=ERIC |title=After Rough Start, Baugh Gains in Sacramento |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-oct-19-me-44488-story.html |website=Los Angeles Times |date=October 19, 1997 |access-date=August 2, 2024 |archive-date=August 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802000424/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-oct-19-me-44488-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> This legislation is believed to have saved Californians 350 million dollars.<ref name="Log Angeles Times - Baugh Gains - 1997" />

Serving as the vice chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee,<ref name="Log Angeles Times - Baugh Gains - 1997" /> he helped pass legislation that helped repair an eastern section of the San Francisco Bay Bridge.

==== Assembly Leader ==== Baugh was elected by his Republican colleagues to serve as Assembly Republican Leader in April 1999,<ref name="OAC - Scott Baugh" /><ref name="LA Times - Election Violations Baugh - 1999">{{cite web |last1=Pasco |first1=Jean |title=Election Violations Cost Baugh |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-jul-28-me-60372-story.html |website=Los Angeles Times |date=July 28, 1999 |access-date=3 October 2024 |archive-date=June 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604003535/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-jul-28-me-60372-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> a post he held until he was termed out in December 2000.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-apr-13-mn-26995-story.html|title=Scott Baugh Emerges to Lead a Comeback|date=April 13, 1999|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=February 28, 2022|archive-date=February 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222040838/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-apr-13-mn-26995-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="LA Times - Baugh Comeback - 1999" /> Baugh's term as leader was characterized by members of both parties as successful as he consistently reached across the aisle.<ref name="LA Times - Baugh Comeback - 1999" /><ref name="OC Republican Steps Down - Los Angeles Times - 2004" /> As leader, he sponsored legislation on grand jury reform and police officer training on the rights of suspects.<ref name="LA Times - Baugh Comeback - 1999" />

=== Orange County Republican Party === On April 19, 2004,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wisckol |first1=Martin |title=O.C. GOP chairman acknowledges call for change |website=OC Register |access-date=August 5, 2024 |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2011/01/18/oc-gop-chairman-acknowledges-call-for-change/ |date=January 18, 2011 |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809190049/https://www.ocregister.com/2011/01/18/oc-gop-chairman-acknowledges-call-for-change/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Baugh was elected chairman of the Republican Party of Orange County, succeeding Tom Fuentes.<ref>{{cite news | title = O.C.'s Republican Chairman Steps Down | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-mar-16-me-fuentes16-story.html | newspaper = LA Times | date = March 14, 2004 | access-date = March 8, 2018 | archive-date = January 25, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210125120634/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-mar-16-me-fuentes16-story.html | url-status = live }}</ref> Under his leadership, the party moderated<ref name="OC Republican Steps Down - Los Angeles Times - 2004" /> its positions and repaired relations with state and national Republicans.<ref name="OC Republican Steps Down - Los Angeles Times - 2004" />

In March 2007, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, seeking the GOP nomination for president in 2008, announced that Baugh would serve as a member of his California statewide finance committee.<ref>{{cite news |title=O.C. shows it's not 'Romney country' |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-feb-07-me-ocresults7-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |date=February 7, 2008 |access-date=March 7, 2022 |archive-date=March 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307195711/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-feb-07-me-ocresults7-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Bunis |first1=Dena |title=Romney bows out of presidential race |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2008/02/07/romney-bows-out-of-presidential-race/ |website=OC Register |date=February 7, 2008 |access-date=August 5, 2024}}</ref> In this capacity, he raised over $2 million for Romney in Orange County.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Berthelsen |first1=Christian |title=O.C. Shows it's not 'Romney country' |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-feb-07-me-ocresults7-story.html |newspaper=LA Times |date=February 7, 2008 |access-date=August 2, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Wisckol |first1=Martin |title=Romney Returns to O.C. to raise Cash Today |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2012/09/17/romney-returns-to-oc-to-raise-cash-today/ |website=OC Register |date=September 17, 2012 |access-date=August 5, 2024}}</ref>

Baugh supported Romney in the 2012 presidential election. During the 2012 Republican Party presidential primaries, Baugh served as a California delegate.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wisckol |first1=Martin |title=Romney's Orange County Delegates Unvueild |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2012/05/08/romneys-orange-county-delegates-unveiled-2/ |website=OC Register |date=May 8, 2012 |access-date=August 1, 2024}}</ref>

In January 2015, Baugh stepped down as party chair and was succeeded by Fred Whitaker.<ref>{{cite web|last=Wisckol|first=Martin|title=Previously behind the scenes, Fred Whitaker tapped as new Orange County GOP leader|url=https://www.ocregister.com/2015/01/20/previously-behind-the-scenes-fred-whitaker-tapped-as-new-orange-county-gop-leader/|website=Orange County Register|date=January 20, 2015|access-date=March 8, 2018}}</ref><ref name="OC Register - Standard Republican To Lead Party - 2015">{{cite web |last=Wiskol |first=Martin |title=Seeking a shift, 'standard-issue Republican' will lead the county party |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2015/01/20/seeking-a-shift-standard-issue-republican-will-lead-the-county-party/ |date=January 20, 2015 |website=Orange County Register |access-date=August 5, 2024 |archive-date=July 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731223215/https://www.ocregister.com/2015/01/20/seeking-a-shift-standard-issue-republican-will-lead-the-county-party/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Editorial: O.C. GOP has a new chairman |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2015/01/20/editorial-oc-gop-has-a-new-chairman/ |date=January 20, 2015|website=Orange County Register |access-date=August 5, 2024}}</ref>

== U.S. House of Representatives ==

=== 2022 === {{main|2022 United States House of Representatives elections in California#District 47}} After redistricting took place in 2021,<ref name="LA Times - Porter Holds Seat - 2022" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Macagnone |first1=Michael |title=Lations, Democrats get boost in California congressional map |url=https://rollcall.com/2021/12/21/latinos-democrats-get-boost-in-california-congressional-map/ |website=Roll Call |date=December 21, 2021 |access-date=August 2, 2024 |archive-date=August 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802183145/https://rollcall.com/2021/12/21/latinos-democrats-get-boost-in-california-congressional-map/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Baugh was the Republican candidate for California's 47th congressional district in the 2022 election.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gonzales |first1=Nathan |title=New districts, new ratings point to California battles ahead |url=https://www.rollcall.com/2022/01/04/new-districts-new-ratings-point-to-california-battles-ahead/ |access-date=January 19, 2022 |work=Roll Call |date=January 4, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=January 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120224915/https://www.rollcall.com/2022/01/04/new-districts-new-ratings-point-to-california-battles-ahead/ |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Weisman |first=Jonathan |date=2022-06-08 |title=Katie Porter will face an Orange County G.O.P. stalwart, Scott Baugh, in the fall. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/06/07/us/election-california-primary-new-jersey |access-date=2022-06-13 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613060722/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/06/07/us/election-california-primary-new-jersey |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Progressive favorite Katie Porter wins re-election after days of counting |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2022-election/katie-porter-wins-election-california-rcna57343 |access-date=2022-12-14 |website=NBC News |date=November 18, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=November 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221120230210/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2022-election/katie-porter-wins-election-california-rcna57343 |url-status=live }}</ref> He lost by 9,000 votes and was out-fundraised by Porter 28 million to 3 million.<ref name="Open Secret - 2022">{{cite web |title=California District 47 2022 Race |url=https://www.opensecrets.org/races/summary?cycle=2022&id=CA47 |access-date=August 3, 2024 |website=Open Secrets }}</ref><ref name="LA Times - Porter Holds Seat - 2022">{{cite web |last1=Mason |first1=Melanie |title=Democratic Rep. Katie Porter holds on to seat in tightly fought Orange County race |url=https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2022-11-17/2022-california-midterm-election-katie-porter-scott-baugh-orange-county-results |website=Los Angeles Times |date=November 18, 2022 |access-date=August 5, 2024 |archive-date=August 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240805150947/https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2022-11-17/2022-california-midterm-election-katie-porter-scott-baugh-orange-county-results |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== 2024 === {{main|2024 California's 47th congressional district election}}

Baugh was the Republican candidate for California's 47th congressional district in the 2024 election.<ref>{{cite news|last=Schallhorn|first=Kaitlyn|title=Scott Baugh launches congressional bid for Rep. Katie Porter's seat|url=https://www.ocregister.com/2023/01/10/scott-baugh-launches-congressional-bid-for-rep-katie-porters-seat/|website=The Orange County Register|date=January 10, 2023|access-date=January 20, 2023|language=en-US|archive-date=January 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119101115/https://www.ocregister.com/2023/01/10/scott-baugh-launches-congressional-bid-for-rep-katie-porters-seat/|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref name="results">{{cite news |date=March 8, 2024 |title=Democrat Min to face Republican Baugh in California's competitive 47th Congressional District |url=https://apnews.com/article/california-house-election-2024-primary-super-tuesday-fd2808aad5069c950bf0ce5f246f7661 |access-date=March 18, 2024 |work=AP News |language=en |archive-date=March 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240318152131/https://apnews.com/article/california-house-election-2024-primary-super-tuesday-fd2808aad5069c950bf0ce5f246f7661 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-13 |title=Democrat Dave Min defeats Scott Baugh in critical California House race |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/democrat-dave-min-defeats-scott-baugh-critical-california-house-race-rcna176912 |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref> 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."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rodriguez |first=Matthew |date=2024-11-13 |title=Democrat Dave Min wins California Rep. Katie Porter's open Orange County congressional seat, CBS News projects - CBS Los Angeles |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/california-47th-congressional-district-dave-min-scott-baugh-2024-election/ |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Political positions==

=== Abortion === After the Dobbs decision, Baugh has described abortion as a “state-by-state issue".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marzorati |first=Guy |date=2024-10-18 |title=This Heated Orange County Congressional Race Could Determine Control of the House {{!}} KQED |url=https://www.kqed.org/news/12009870/dave-min-scott-baugh-vie-for-competitive-orange-county-house-seat |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=www.kqed.org |language=en}}</ref>

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.”<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-04 |title=Roe v. Wade: Here's where Orange County House members, challengers stand on abortion rights |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2022/05/04/roe-v-wade-heres-where-orange-county-house-members-challengers-stand-on-abortion-rights/ |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=Orange County Register |language=en-US |archive-date=September 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921032930/https://www.ocregister.com/2022/05/04/roe-v-wade-heres-where-orange-county-house-members-challengers-stand-on-abortion-rights/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== 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.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}

=== Congressional stock trading === Baugh opposes congressional stock trading and has called for all members of Congress to forego trading.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 9, 2024 |title=Baugh For Congress - Priorities |url=https://baughforcongress.com/priorities-tab/ |access-date=August 1, 2024 |website=Baugh For Congress}}</ref>

=== 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".<ref name="2024 - Candidate Questionnaire - OC Register">{{cite web |last1=Schallhorn |first1=Kaitlyn |date=January 20, 2024 |title=Scott Baugh, CA-47 Candidate, 2024 Primary Questionnaire |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2024/01/20/scott-baugh-ca-47-candidate-2024-primary-election-questionnaire/ |access-date=August 1, 2024 |website=OC Register |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814182817/https://www.ocregister.com/2024/01/20/scott-baugh-ca-47-candidate-2024-primary-election-questionnaire/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Baugh has further commented, "... when it is clear that our national security is at risk ... the U.S. should provide assistance."<ref name="2024 - Candidate Questionnaire - OC Register" />

=== Government transparency === Baugh is a strong supporter of transparency in government, and has criticized the congressional fund that is used by the government to settle workplace disputes between government senior employers, including congressional office holders, and staff.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baugh |first1=Scott |title=Congress must live by the same rules as the taxpayers |date=December 17, 2017 |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2017/12/17/congress-must-live-by-the-same-rules-as-the-taxpayers/ |access-date=August 1, 2024}}</ref>

=== Immigration and border security === Baugh has expressed support for legal immigration and also supports strict enforcement of immigration law, such as employer verification.<ref name="Baugh Policy Positions">{{cite web |title=Scott Baugh Campaign Website - Campaign Priorities |url=https://baughforcongress.com/priorities/ |access-date=17 September 2024 |website=Scott Baugh Campaign|date=April 8, 2024 }}</ref><ref name="2024 - Candidate Questionnaire - OC Register" /><ref name="OC Register - Illegal Immigration - Baugh">{{cite web |last1=Baugh |first1=Scott |title=Immigration |date=July 20, 2014 |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2014/07/20/scott-baugh-what-to-do-about-immigration-dilemma/ |access-date=August 1, 2024 |archive-date=August 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240811233832/https://www.ocregister.com/2014/07/20/scott-baugh-what-to-do-about-immigration-dilemma/ |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref name="OC Register - Illegal Immigration - Baugh" /> Baugh is an advocate for tightening security at the border. He advocates for a "tall fence and a wide gate".<ref name="2024 - Candidate Questionnaire - OC Register" /> He has advocated for ensuring the government has policies in place to secure the border, reducing and eliminating crime around the border, and strengthening enforcement.

==Personal life== Baugh lives in Huntington Beach, California; with his wife Wendy and his son.<ref name="votesmart_baugh"/> Baugh is part of several community initiatives and has worked with the OC Fair.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rep. Katie Porter Wins Reelection to CA-47 seat |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2022/11/17/rep-katie-porter-wins-reelection-to-ca-47-seat/ |access-date=July 31, 2024 |website=OC Register - Nov 2022 |date=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=July 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731230834/https://www.ocregister.com/2022/11/17/rep-katie-porter-wins-reelection-to-ca-47-seat/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Cassidy |first1=Jon |title=Fair board signs Deal with OC Marathon |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2011/10/28/fair-board-signs-deal-with-oc-marathon/ |access-date=August 12, 2024 |website=OC Register |date=October 28, 2011 |archive-date=August 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812034246/https://www.ocregister.com/2011/10/28/fair-board-signs-deal-with-oc-marathon/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Electoral history ==

=== State Assembly ===

==== 1995 ==== {{Election box begin no change | title = California's 67th State Assembly district election, 1996 }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change | party = California Republican Party | candidate = Scott Baugh | votes = | percentage = 45 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = California Democratic Party | candidate = Linda Moulton-Patterson | votes = | percentage = 38.07 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = California Republican Party | candidate = Don MacAllister | votes = | percentage = 11 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = California Republican Party | candidate = Haydee Tillotson | votes = | percentage = 7 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = California Republican Party | candidate = Shirley Carey | votes = | percentage = 5 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 158,105 | percentage = 100.00 }} {{Election box win | winner = California Republican Party }} {{Election box end}}

==== 1996 ==== {{Election box begin no change | title = California's 67th State Assembly district election, 1996 }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change | party = California Republican Party | candidate = Scott Baugh (incumbent) | votes = 80,013 | percentage = 56.32 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = California Democratic Party | candidate = Cliff Brightman | votes = 54,085 | percentage = 38.07 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Reform Party (United States) | candidate = Donald W. Rowe | votes = 7,950 | percentage = 5.60 }} {{Election box candidate no party in partisan race no change | party = Independent | candidate = Wayne Dapser (write-in) | votes = 14 | percentage = 0.01 }} {{Election box invalid no change | votes = 16,043 | percentage = 10.15 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 158,105 | percentage = 100.00 }} {{Election box hold with party link no change | winner = California Republican Party }} {{Election box end}}

==== 1998 ==== {{Election box begin no change | title = California's 67th State Assembly district election, 1998 }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change | party = California Republican Party | candidate = Scott Baugh (incumbent) | votes = 66,570 | percentage = 57.53 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = California Democratic Party | candidate = Marie H. Fennell | votes = 43,372 | percentage = 37.48 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Libertarian Party of California | candidate = Autumn Browne | votes = 5,772 | percentage = 4.99 }} {{Election box invalid no change | votes = 13,198 | percentage = 10.24 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 128,912 | percentage = 100.00 }} {{Election box hold with party link no change | winner = California Republican Party }} {{Election box end}}

=== Congressional ===

====2018==== {{Election box open primary begin no change | title = {{ushr|California|48}} election, 2018<ref>{{cite web|title=2018 California primary election results|url=https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/sov/2018-primary/sov/2018-complete-sov.pdf|website=Elections.cdn.coc.ca.gov|access-date=August 10, 2019|archive-date=May 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508033805/https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/sov/2018-primary/sov/2018-complete-sov.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2018 California general election results|url=https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/sov/2018-general/sov/2018-complete-sov.pdf|website=Elections.cdn.coc.ca.gov|access-date=August 10, 2019|archive-date=April 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425150043/https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/sov/2018-general/sov/2018-complete-sov.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change | party = Republican Party (United States) | candidate = Dana Rohrabacher (incumbent) | votes = 52737 | percentage = 30.3 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Democratic Party (United States) | candidate = Harley Rouda | votes = 30099 | percentage = 17.3 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Democratic Party (United States) | candidate = Hans Keirstead | votes = 29974 | percentage = 17.2 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Republican Party (United States) | candidate = Scott Baugh | votes = 27514 | percentage = 15.8 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Democratic Party (United States) | candidate = Omar Siddiqui | votes = 8658 | percentage = 5.0 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Republican Party (United States) | candidate = John Gabbard | votes = 5664 | percentage = 3.3 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Democratic Party (United States) | candidate = ''Rachel Payne (withdrawn)'' | votes = 3598 | percentage = 2.1 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Republican Party (United States) | candidate = Paul Martin | votes = 2893 | percentage = 1.7 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Republican Party (United States) | candidate = Shastina Sandman | votes = 2762 | percentage = 1.6 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Democratic Party (United States) | candidate = ''Michael Kotick (withdrawn)'' | votes = 2606 | percentage = 1.5 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Democratic Party (United States) | candidate = ''Laura Oatman (withdrawn)'' | votes = 2412 | percentage = 1.4 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Democratic Party (United States) | candidate = Deanie Schaarsmith | votes = 1433 | percentage = 0.8 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Democratic Party (United States) | candidate = Tony Zarkades | votes = 1281 | percentage = 0.7 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Libertarian Party of California | candidate = Brandon Reiser | votes = 964 | percentage = 0.6 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Republican Party (United States) | candidate = ''Stelian Onufrei (withdrawn)'' | votes = 739 | percentage = 0.4 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = No party preference (United States) | candidate = Kevin Kensinger | votes = 690 | percentage = 0.4 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 174024 | percentage = 100.0 }} {{Election box end}}

====2022==== {{Election box begin no change |title=2022 California's 47th congressional district primary<ref>{{cite web|url=https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/sov/2022-primary/sov/86-congress.pdf|title=June 7, 2022, Primary Election United States Representative|date=2022-06-25|publisher=California Secretary of State Shirley Weber}}</ref>}} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (US) |candidate = Katie Porter (incumbent) |votes = 86,742 |percentage = 51.7 }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (US) |candidate = Scott Baugh |votes = 51,776 |percentage = 30.9 }}{{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (US) |candidate = Amy Phan West |votes = 13,949 |percentage = 8.3 }}{{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (US) |candidate = Brian Burley |votes = 11,952 |percentage = 7.1 }}{{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (US) |candidate = Errol Webber |votes = 3,342 |percentage = 2.0 }}{{Election box total no change |votes = 167,761 |percentage = 100.0 }}{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change | title=2022 California's 47th congressional district election<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/sov/2022-general/sov/48-congress.pdf |title=2022 election results |access-date=August 3, 2024 |archive-date=February 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213082822/https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/sov/2022-general/sov/48-congress.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>}} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Katie Porter (incumbent) |votes = 137,374 |percentage = 51.7 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Scott Baugh |votes = 128,261 |percentage = 48.3 }} {{Election box total no change |votes = 265,635 |percentage = 100.0 }}<!-- {{Election box turnout no change |percentage = }}--> {{Election box hold with party link no change |winner = Democratic Party (United States) }} {{Election box end}}

====2024==== {{Election box begin no change |title=2024 California's 47th congressional district primary<ref>{{cite web |title=California 47th Congressional District Primary Election Results |work=The New York Times |date=March 5, 2024 |access-date=March 7, 2024 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/03/05/us/elections/results-california-us-house-47-primary.html}}</ref>}} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (US) |candidate = Scott Baugh |votes = 49,799 |percentage = 32.8 }}{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (US) |candidate = Dave Min |votes = 39,080 |percentage = 25.7 }}{{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (US) |candidate = Joanna Weiss |votes = 28,948 |percentage = 19.0 }}{{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (US) |candidate = Max Ukropina |votes = 22,729 |percentage = 15.0 }}{{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (US) |candidate = Long Pham |votes = 4,195 |percentage = 2.8 }}{{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = No party preference |candidate = Terry Crandall |votes = 2,400 |percentage = 1.6 }}{{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (US) |candidate = Boyd Roberts |votes = 2,012 |percentage = 1.3 }}{{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = No party preference |candidate = Tom McGrath |votes = 1,321 |percentage = 0.9 }}{{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = No party preference |candidate = Bill Smith |votes = 902 |percentage = 0.6 }}{{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (US) |candidate = Shariq Zaidi |votes = 672 |percentage = 0.4 }}{{Election box total no change |votes = 152,058 |percentage = 100.0 }}{{Election box end}}{{Election box begin no change | title=2024 California's 47th congressional district election}} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Dave Min |votes = 181,721 |percentage = 51.44 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Scott Baugh |votes = 171,554 |percentage = 48.56 }} {{Election box total no change |votes = 353275 |percentage = 100.0 }}<!-- {{Election box turnout no change |percentage = }}--> {{Election box hold with party link no change |winner = Democratic Party (United States) }} {{Election box end}}

== References == {{reflist}}

==External links== *{{official website|https://baughforcongress.com/}}

{{s-start}} {{s-par|us-ca-hs}} {{s-bef|before=Doris Allen}} {{s-ttl|title=Member of the California Assembly<br />from the 67th district|years=1995–2000}} {{s-aft|after=Tom Harman}} |- {{s-bef|before=Rod Pacheco}} {{s-ttl|title=Minority Leader of the California Assembly|years=1999–2000}} {{s-aft|after=Bill Campbell}} {{s-end}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Baugh, Scott}} Category:1962 births Category:Candidates in the 2022 United States House of Representatives elections Category:Liberty University alumni Category:Living people Category:McGeorge School of Law alumni Category:Republican Party members of the California State Assembly Category:Politicians from Huntington Beach, California Category:People from Redding, California Category:Candidates in the 2018 United States House of Representatives elections Category:Candidates in the 2024 United States House of Representatives elections Category:20th-century members of the California State Legislature