MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Tammy Baldwin for Reelection to the U.S. Senate in Wisconsin!
Meet Tammy Baldwin
Tammy Baldwin was born in Madison, Wisconsin, and raised by her grandparents after her mother struggled with mental illness and addiction. Her grandfather was a biochemist at the University of Wisconsin, and her Nana was a talented seamstress and head costume designer in the UW Theater Department. At nine, Tammy faced a serious illness, spending three months in the hospital. The insurance companies’ refusal to cover her due to a “pre-existing condition” profoundly impacted her future work in healthcare reform.
Public Service and Legislative Achievements
Tammy attended public schools, graduated from Madison West High School, and went on to Smith College to study government and mathematics. After college, she worked on pay equity issues before attending the University of Wisconsin Law School. During law school, Tammy was elected to the Dane County Board of Supervisors, where she played a key role in chairing the Dane County Task Force on AIDS.
In 1998, Tammy made history by becoming Wisconsin’s first female member of Congress and the first openly gay non-incumbent elected to Congress. In the House, she fought for healthcare reforms that allowed young adults to stay on their parents’ insurance until age 26 and protected people with pre-existing conditions. Tammy also worked across party lines, passing legislation to support blinded veterans and expand access to cancer screenings for women.
Senate Career and Current Bid for Congress
In 2012, Tammy Baldwin continued to break barriers by becoming Wisconsin’s first female Senator and the first openly LGBTQ+ Senator in history. As a Senator, she has championed “Buy American” rules, fought against unfair trade deals, and protected healthcare for millions of Americans. Her efforts include passing the Respect for Marriage Act, ensuring protections for same-sex and interracial marriages.
Now, Tammy is running for re-election to continue her fight for Wisconsin families. Despite being targeted by corporate interests and mega-donors, Tammy remains committed to holding powerful entities accountable and ensuring that Washington works for Wisconsin—not special interests. She stands as a tireless advocate for the people, determined to keep fighting for a better future.
