Judy Baker

Judy Baker
Member of the Missouri House of Representatives
from the 25th district
In office
2005–2009
Preceded by Vicky Riback Wilson
Succeeded by Mary Still
Personal details
Born (1960-04-10) April 10, 1960
Columbia, Missouri
Political party Democratic
Spouse(s) Dr. John D. Baker
Residence Columbia, Missouri
Alma mater University of Missouri
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Occupation Professor, Health Care Administration
Religion Baptist

Judith W. "Judy" Baker (born April 10, 1960) is a Democratic politician, small business owner, and educator from Missouri. She is a former member of the Missouri House of Representatives and a former Region VII Director for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.[1] Baker was a candidate for Missouri State Treasurer in the 2016 election, but was defeated in the general election by Eric Schmitt.[2]

Early life, education and family

Judy Baker was born in Columbia, Missouri to elementary school teacher Beverly (Briggs) Wall and physician Dr. Norman Wall. Her father was a military doctor, which prompted several moves for the family during her youth. Baker graduated in 1978 from Western Branch High School in Chesapeake, Virginia. She went on to obtain a B.S. in Educational Psychology from the University of Missouri in 1981, a master's degree in Divinity from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1986, and a master's degree in Health Administration from the University of Missouri in 2002.[3] Prior to entering politics Baker worked a variety of jobs in the healthcare management field until starting her own consulting firm, Cura Advantage. Baker has served as an adjunct professor at Columbia College, the University of Missouri, and Washington University in St. Louis. She resides in Columbia with her husband, Dr. John Baker, a Baptist minister, and three children.[4]

Politics

Judy Baker was first elected to the Missouri House in November 2004, defeating Republican Robert (Bob) Northrup.[5] She ran unopposed in 2006 to earn her second term.[6] While in the Missouri House she founded the bi-partisan "Healthy Missourians" caucus, a group who advocated preventative medicine and responsible approaches to Missouri healthcare.[7]

In 2008 Baker aspired to higher office, running for US Congress in Missouri's 9th Congressional District to replace Kenny Hulshof. After beating three fellow Democrats in the August primary Baker lost a close November general election to Republican and fellow State Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer. Following the defeat Baker returned to the private sector and teaching at Columbia College until November, 2009 when she was appointed the regional HHS director by Health & Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. Baker would hold that position for just over two years until resigning in early December, 2011.[8]

Election results

Missouri's 9th congressional district election, 2008
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Blaine Luetkemeyer 161,031 49.99
Democratic Judy Baker 152,956 47.49
Libertarian Tamara Millay 8,108 2.52
Total votes 322,095 100.00
Republican hold

Baker was one of eight Democratic candidates for Missouri Lieutenant Governor in 2012. She came in second to former Missouri State Auditor Susan Montee, who was defeated in the general election by Republican incumbent Peter Kinder.

In the 2016 election cycle, Baker filed as a candidate for Missouri State Treasurer. Her only opponent for the Democratic nomination was Patrick Contreras, of Kansas City, whom she defeated 59% to 41%.[9] She went on to face term-limited Republican State Senator Eric Schmitt of suburban St. Louis, as well as two third-party candidates and a write-in candidate, in the November general election.[10] Schmitt won with 56.65% of the vote, to Baker's 39.15%.[11]

References

  1. ↑ Secretary Sebelius Announces New HHS Regional Directors News Release www.HHS.gov, November 17, 2009
  2. ↑ http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/political-fix/new-lt-gov-candidate-hints-at-fracture-in-democratic-unity/article_013b7a60-42b9-11e1-876f-001a4bcf6878.html
  3. ↑ "Judy Baker bio". Missouri Secretary of State. 2005-01-15. Retrieved 2012-01-22.
  4. ↑ "Baker For Missouri-Bio". Candidate via Facebook site. 2012-01-22. Retrieved 2012-01-22.
  5. ↑ "2004 Election results". Missouri Secretary of State website. 2004. Retrieved 2012-01-22.
  6. ↑ "2006 Election results". Missouri Secretary of State website. 2006. Retrieved 2012-01-22.
  7. ↑ Secretary Sebelius Announces New HHS Regional Directors News Release www.HHS.gov, November 17, 2009
  8. ↑ "Judy Baker leaves Obama administration". The Columbia Tribune. 2011-12-12. Retrieved 2012-01-22.
  9. ↑ http://enrarchives.sos.mo.gov/enrnet/
  10. ↑ http://s1.sos.mo.gov/candidatesonweb/DisplayCandidatesPlacement.aspx?OfficeCode=SW20&ElectionCode=750003666
  11. ↑ http://enr.sos.mo.gov/default.aspx
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