Steven Paul Baer, an American conservative political activist and investor, died on December 25, 2025.
He was known for his role in Republican politics and for challenging Illinois Secretary of State Jim Edgar in the 1990 Illinois Republican gubernatorial primary. Running from the conservative wing of the party on an anti-tax, anti-abortion, and school choice platform, he received about 33% of the vote.
Baer also served as former president of the United Republican Fund of Illinois and was described in later reporting as a provocative figure in conservative circles.
Steven Paul Baer (October 13, 1959 – December 25, 2025) was an American conservative political activist and investor. Over the course of his political involvement, he gained a reputation as a provocateur in Republican circles. Most notably, he challenged Illinois Secretary of State Jim Edgar in the 1990 Illinois Republican gubernatorial primary. Attacking Edgar from the conservative wing of the party, he received about 33% of the vote.