Who is Sen. Tammy Baldwin, the first woman elected to Congress from Wisconsin?
Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin will speak Thursday night at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Baldwin, whose seat is up for election this fall, has served in the Senate since 2012, succeeding the late Herb Kohl. She's running against Republican Eric Hovde in 2024 in what is projected to be a close race. Baldwin's seat is a priority for both parties as the Democrats fight to maintain their slim majority in the Senate.
Here's more information about Baldwin's background and time in public service:
What is Tammy Baldwin's political party?
Baldwin is a member of the Democratic Party.
When was Tammy Baldwin elected and how long has she served?
Baldwin won her first seat in politics on the Dane County Board of Supervisors at age 24. She was elected to four terms.
Since then, she has 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 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.
Where did Tammy Baldwin grow up?
Baldwin was born in Madison and attended Madison West High School.
How old is Tammy Baldwin?
Baldwin is 62 years old.
Where did Tammy Baldwin 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.
In 2022, she spearheaded the push for codifying same-sex and interracial marriage in the U.S. Senate. In November that year, the measure passed the Senate by a 61-36 vote.
Baldwin voted with Trump's position 22.7% of the time. She has voted with President Joe Biden's position 95.5% of the time.
How popular is Tammy Baldwin?
Baldwin had a 44% approval rating in an August 2024 Marquette poll. That represented a slight dip in her approval rating from earlier in the summer. She has generally won elections by wide margins.
What are some controversial moments of Tammy Baldwin's 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.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Who is Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin? She's speaking tonight at DNC.