Born on the 4th of July, 1962, I was the fourth son in a family of five boys. Growing up on our family farm, I learned early on the importance of hard work, faith, family, and freedom—values that have shaped who I am and that I will take with me to Congress.

My mother took all five of us boys to local orchards every year, where we picked pears to sell by the roadside. The money we earned went toward school clothes, and the experience taught me the value of earning your keep.

Sports were a big part of my life growing up. I played baseball and football, serving as Captain of both the JV and Varsity football teams. This fostered leadership skills and a commitment to teamwork—qualities I continue to carry today.

At age 12, I began working in my father’s linen business. The day I earned my driver’s license, I also earned my first delivery route, hauling 6,000 pounds of clean linens to Mercy Hospital by 6:00 a.m. every morning before heading off to school. It was tough, but it taught me discipline and responsibility at a young age.

We didn’t have much growing up, but what we did have was invaluable: a strong work ethic instilled by my parents. We raised cattle, chickens, goats, horses, rabbits, and hogs—each of us learning the lessons of persistence and determination.

As the years went by, our family farm also grew. We transitioned to raising organic alfalfa, and when my father fell ill, I took over operations, ensuring the farm continued to thrive. While managing the farm, I worked my way through community college, then university, and finally law school—paying my own way every step of the journey.

In 1996, I married Wendy, my best friend and partner in life. Together, we’ve built a home in Orange County, where we’ve lived for over 25 years. We have one son, and we love this community, our neighbors, and the incredible life we’ve created in this very special place.

Although my father passed away in 2016, the values he and my mother instilled in me live on. My mother, now 80, is on Social Security and Medicare, and the lessons she taught me as a young boy are still at the core of who I am today.

I am Scott Baugh, and I am ready to take these values—hard work, faith, family, and freedom—to Congress.