Wisconsin senator Tammy Baldwin has fought for LGBTQ issues for years – Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Tammy Baldwin is the junior senator from Wisconsin. She has made headlines in recent months for spearheading the push for codifying same-sex and interracial marriage in the U.S. Senate.
What is Tammy Baldwin’s political party?
Baldwin is a member of the Democratic Party.
When was Baldwin elected and how long has she served?
Baldwin won her first seat in politics on the Dane County Board of Supervisors at the age of 24. She was elected to four terms.
Since then, she has continually held seats in the state Assembly, U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. In each chamber, she has been the first openly LGBTQ representative elected, and she was also the first woman elected to U.S. Congress from Wisconsin.
Baldwin has used her platform to seek progress on LGBTQ issues, from proposing the legalization of same-sex marriage in the state Assembly to criticizing the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. Her advocacy came during a period when even her own party was divided over gay rights.
In 2008, she founded the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus along with Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA). Baldwin was the first LGBTQ representative in Congress; the House now has nine openly LGBTQ members.
Baldwin was elected to her Senate seat in 2012, succeeding the retiring Herb Kohl. She ran uncontested in the primary election, then defeated the Republican nominee, former Wisconsin governor Tommy Thompson.
She won a second term in 2018, defeating Republican Leah Vukmir by 11 points. Baldwin has now served nearly 10 years and would be seeking a third term if she opts to run in 2024.
Baldwin is now one of two openly LGBTQ people in the Senate, along with Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz).
Where did Baldwin grow up?
Baldwin was born in Madison and attended Madison West High School.
How old is Tammy Baldwin?
Baldwin is 60 years old.
Where did she go to college?
The senator attended Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, and the University of Wisconsin Law School.
Who is Tammy Baldwin’s family?
Baldwin was raised by her grandparents, who both worked at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has spoken openly about her mother, who struggled with opioid addiction and mental health.
The senator was in a domestic partnership with attorney Lauren Azar. They ended their relationship in 2010.
How has Tammy Baldwin voted on recent bills?
Baldwin twice voted to convict Donald Trump after the former president was impeached by the House of Representatives.
Baldwin voted to create a commission to study the Capitol riots of Jan. 6, 2021.
Baldwin voted for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Baldwin voted for the confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson to be a justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.
Baldwin voted for the CHIPS Act and the climate, tax and health care bill.
Baldwin is currently pushing legislation to codify the right to gay marriage.
Baldwin voted with Trump’s position 22.7% of the time. She has voted with President Joe Biden’s position 94.1% of the time.
How popular is Baldwin?
Baldwin had a 38% approval rating in a 2021 Marquette Law School poll. She has generally won elections by wide margins.
What are some controversial moments of her tenure?
Baldwin’s office came under fire for inaction in 2015 over alleged overmedication at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Tomah.
How do I contact Tammy Baldwin?
Baldwin maintains offices in Eau Claire, Milwaukee, Madison, La Crosse, Green Bay, Ashland and Washington, D.C. Feedback can be submitted on Baldwin’s website. For time-sensitive issues, her staff can be reached at 202-224-5653.
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