He was nominated speaker due to his twenty years of service in the house by the Republican political boss Boies Penrose.

He also sponsored Act 203, which allowed county commissioners to erect monuments to soldiers and sailors of war[6] From 1915 to 1916, Baldwin served as chairman of the Insurance Committee.

Progressives criticized Baldwin's selection as speaker, noting his "embittered opposition to legislation on local option, child labor, and workmen's compensation.

"[7] Baldwin's staunch opposition to progressive reform was such that he was one of only three members of the house to oppose the popular election of senators.

He was a member of the Masons, Odd Fellows, Improved Order of Red Men, the American Mechanics, and Patrons of Husbandry.