Charlie Baum (born December 13, 1972) is an American politician and a Republican member of the Tennessee House of Representatives, representing District 37 (Murfreesboro) since November 6, 2018. He is also a professor of economics at Middle Tennessee State University.
Background and Education:
- Baum attended Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where he earned his B.A. in economics in 1995.
- He then pursued his Ph.D. in economics at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, graduating in 1999.
Teaching Career:
- Currently, Baum teaches economics at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, where he has been a faculty member since August 1999.
Community Involvement:
- Baum has actively contributed to various community organizations:
- Board member at the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties (2013–2017)
- Board member at the American Heart Association of Rutherford County (2012–2017)
- County commissioner at the Rutherford County Commission (2010–2018)
- Board member on the Murfreesboro City School Foundation (2013–2019)
- Current board member at Oaklands Historic Mansion (since 2016)
Personal Life:
- Baum was raised in Knoxville, Tennessee.
- He is married to his wife Kelly, and they have three children: Elizabeth, Anna Jane, and Charles.
- The Baum family actively participates in the First United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro.
Election Results:
- In the 2018 general election, Baum secured victory with 59.3% of the votes (13,455 votes), defeating Deanna Debow Osborne (D) who received 40.7% of the votes (9,218 votes).
Baum’s commitment to conservative values, fiscal responsibility, and community service has made him a respected figure in Tennessee politics. As a legislator and educator, he continues to contribute significantly to his district and state.
