Tammy Baldwin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tammy Baldwin
Baldwin in 2023
Secretary of the Senate Democratic Caucus
Incumbent
Assumed office January 3, 2017
Leader	Chuck Schumer
Preceded by	Patty Murray
United States Senator from Wisconsin
Incumbent
Assumed office January 3, 2013 Serving with Ron Johnson
Preceded by	Herb Kohl
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Wisconsin's 2nd district
In office January 3, 1999 – January 3, 2013
Preceded by	Scott Klug
Succeeded by	Mark Pocan
Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the 78th district
In office January 3, 1993 – January 3, 1999
Preceded by	David Clarenbach
Succeeded by	Mark Pocan
Personal details
Born	Tammy Suzanne Green Baldwin (1962-02-11) February 11, 1962 (age 63) Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Relations	David E. Green (grandfather) Rowena Green Matthews (aunt) Andy Samberg (third cousin)
Education	Smith College (BA) University of Wisconsin–Madison (JD)
Partner(s)	Lauren Azar (1998–2010)
Signature

Tammy Suzanne Green Baldwin (born February 11, 1962) is an American politician and lawyer. Since 2013, she has been a United States senator for Wisconsin. She is a member of the Democratic Party. Since 2017, she has also served as the Secretary of the Senate Democratic Caucus.

Baldwin studied at Smith College and the University of Wisconsin Law School. She worked as a lawyer before starting her political career. In 1993, she joined the Wisconsin State Assembly. She served there for three terms until 1999. From 1999 to 2013, she was a U.S. congresswoman for Wisconsin's 2nd district. She was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2012 and has been reelected twice.

Tammy Baldwin has made history several times. She was the first openly lesbian woman elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1993. In 1998, she became the first openly lesbian woman and first woman from Wisconsin elected to the U.S. House. In 2012, she was the first openly LGBT person and first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from Wisconsin. She supports progressive ideas, especially on healthcare, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ rights.

Early Life and Education

Tammy Baldwin was born and grew up in Madison, Wisconsin. Her mother was 19 when Baldwin was born. Her maternal grandfather, David E. Green, was a biochemist. Her aunt, Rowena Green Matthews, is also a biochemist. Through her grandfather, Baldwin is a third cousin of comedian Andy Samberg.

Baldwin graduated from Madison West High School in 1980. She was the top student in her class. She earned a bachelor's degree from Smith College in 1984. In 1989, she earned a law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School. She worked as a lawyer from 1989 to 1992.

Wisconsin Assembly (1993–1999)

Becoming a State Representative

In 1992, Baldwin decided to run for the Wisconsin's 78th Assembly district. This area is in western Madison. She won the Democratic primary election. In the main election, she beat Mary Kay Baum and Patricia Hevenor. She was one of only six openly gay political candidates in the country to win an election that year.

She was reelected for a second term in 1994. In 1996, she won a third term.

Her Time in the Assembly

Baldwin was the first openly lesbian member of the Wisconsin Assembly. At that time, very few openly gay politicians were serving in the country. In 1993, she spoke about her disappointment with President Bill Clinton's "don't ask, don't tell" policy for the military. In 1994, she suggested making same-sex marriage legal in Wisconsin. In 1995, she proposed domestic partnerships.

Baldwin is against capital punishment in Wisconsin.

What Committees She Joined

• Criminal Justice Committee
• Education Committee (Chair)

U.S. House of Representatives (1999–2013)

Baldwin presiding over the House while serving as Speaker Pro Tempore

Running for Congress

In 1998, U.S. Congressman Scott Klug decided to retire. He represented Wisconsin's 2nd congressional district, which includes Madison. Tammy Baldwin ran for his seat. She won the Democratic primary election. In the general election, she defeated Josephine Musser.

Baldwin was the first woman elected to Congress from Wisconsin. She was also the first openly gay person elected to the House of Representatives. In 2008, Baldwin helped start the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus.

She won reelection in 2000, beating Republican John Sharpless. She won eight of the district's nine counties. After the 2000 census, her district was redrawn to be more Democratic. She won her third term in 2002. She continued to win her elections in 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2010.

Her Committee Work

• Committee on Energy and Commerce
  • Subcommittee on Environment and Economy
  • Subcommittee on Health

U.S. Senate (2013–present)

Becoming a Senator

2012 Election

Baldwin and Thompson debating during the 2012 election

Tammy Baldwin ran as the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate. Her opponent was Republican Tommy Thompson. He had been a governor and Secretary of Health and Human Services. Baldwin announced she was running in September 2011. She ran unopposed in the primary election. She spoke at the 2012 Democratic National Convention. She talked about taxes, campaign finance, and equality.

Many groups supported her, including EMILY's List. The Capital Times newspaper also supported her. They said she had "fresh ideas" and could work with others.

Thompson said her "far-left approach leaves this country in jeopardy." The candidates had three debates. Baldwin raised about $12 million for her campaign.

On November 6, 2012, Baldwin won the election. She received 51.4% of the votes. She became the first openly gay person elected to the U.S. Senate. Because she had served 14 years in the House, she had high seniority among new senators. Mark Pocan took her place in the House.

Time magazine featured Baldwin in November 2012. She was quoted saying, "I didn't run to make history."

2018 Election

Baldwin won her second term in 2018. She received 55.4% of the votes. She defeated Republican Leah Vukmir.

2024 Election

In April 2023, Baldwin said she would run for a third Senate term. She won against Republican Eric Hovde. This happened even though Donald Trump, a Republican, won Wisconsin in the presidential election.

Her Senate Committee Work

Baldwin questions the Secretary of Agriculture while on the Senate Appropriations Committee, 2017.

• Committee on Appropriations
  • Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
  • Subcommittee on Defense
  • Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development
  • Subcommittee on Homeland Security
  • Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Chair)
  • Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
• Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
  • Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband
  • Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Data Security
  • Subcommittee on Oceans, Fisheries, Climate Change and Manufacturing (Chair)
  • Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight, and Ports
• Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
  • Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety
  • Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security

Political Views

Her Political Beliefs

In 2003, Baldwin was on an advisory committee for Progressive Majority. This group helps elect progressive politicians.

In 2012, Baldwin said she was a progressive. She said she followed the ideas of Robert M. La Follette. She and Wisconsin's other U.S. Senator, Ron Johnson, often vote differently.

Baldwin is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. She is known for her liberal voting record in Congress.

Economy and Jobs

In 2016, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce gave Baldwin a 32% score on "key business votes." This group usually supports Republican candidates.

In 2017, the editors of The Capital Times praised Baldwin. They liked her strong opposition to a budget plan. They believed it would increase income inequality.

In November 2017, Baldwin was against the Trump tax-reform bill. She said it was being created "behind closed doors." She supported her own bill, the Stronger Way Act.

In 2018, Baldwin supported the Reward Work Act of 2018. This bill would let employees elect one-third of a company's board of directors.

In February 2019, Baldwin helped sponsor the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act. This law would lower taxes for brewers and distillers. It aims to help the craft beverage industry grow.

Terrorism

In November 2013, Baldwin introduced a bill. It would make the government more open about how it uses intelligence information. This would apply when authorities use such information for non-terrorism cases against Americans.

Baldwin called the Orlando nightclub shooting in June 2016 a "hate crime". She asked if America would "stand united against hate, gun violence and terrorism?"

Immigration

In 2006, Baldwin voted against building a fence on the U.S.-Mexico border. In 2013, she voted for a bill that would help undocumented immigrants become legal residents and citizens. She voted against Kate's Law in 2016.

Against the Iraq War

Baldwin was a strong critic of the Iraq War. In October 2002, she was among the members of the House who voted against allowing the invasion. She warned about "postwar challenges." She noted that Iraq had "no history of democratic government." She also said its economy was "in ruins" and rebuilding would cost "a great deal of money." In 2005, she joined the Out of Iraq Caucus.

Health Care

Baldwin has long supported a single-payer, government-run universal health care system. She introduced bills for this in the early 2000s. These bills did not pass.

She believes a single-payer system is the best way to reform healthcare. In 2009, she voted for a health-care reform bill that included a public option. This would have been a government-run health plan. She eventually voted for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.

In 2009, Baldwin introduced the Ending LGBT Health Disparities Act. This bill aimed to improve health for LGBTQ+ people. It promoted research and non-discrimination policies.

In April 2018, Baldwin helped sponsor the Choose Medicare Act. This bill would expand public health insurance options.

In January 2019, during a government shutdown, Baldwin signed a letter to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs. The letter expressed concern about the shutdown's effect on public health.

In February 2019, Baldwin signed a letter to insulin manufacturers. She asked about their increased insulin prices. She said high prices stop patients from getting needed medicine.

Housing

In April 2019, Baldwin signed a letter to the housing subcommittee. The letter praised a program that helps local community development groups. She asked for continued funding for this program.

International Relations

Central America

In April 2019, Baldwin signed a letter to President Trump. She asked him to reverse a decision that would harm national security. She argued that foreign aid to Central American countries helps reduce migration to the U.S.

Russia

In February 2017, Baldwin signed a letter to the United States Attorney General. She expressed concern about claims that the Trump campaign worked with the Russian government. She asked for an independent investigation.

In December 2018, Baldwin signed a letter about the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. She expressed concern about the U.S. suspending its obligations. She asked Trump to continue arms negotiations.

Saudi Arabia

In June 2017, Baldwin voted to block a $510 million arms sale to Saudi Arabia. In March 2018, she voted against a resolution that would have required Trump to withdraw American troops from Yemen. In December 2021, she voted against a $650 billion weapons sale to Saudi Arabia.

Israel

In May 2020, Baldwin said she was against Israel's plan to take over parts of the West Bank.

United States Postal Service

In March 2019, Baldwin supported a resolution against privatizing the United States Postal Service (USPS). She said the USPS is self-funded. She worried that privatization could lead to higher prices and fewer services, especially in rural areas.

Climate Change

In November 2018, Baldwin supported a resolution. It responded to reports on climate change. The resolution confirmed the senators' acceptance of the findings. It also showed their support for strong action to address climate change.

LGBTQ+ Rights

In October 2018, Baldwin signed a letter to the Secretary of State. She urged him to reverse a policy change. This change affected visas for same-sex partners of LGBTQ+ diplomats. She wrote that many places in the world do not protect LGBTQ+ individuals.

In June 2019, Baldwin signed another letter to the Secretary of State. She asked why there was no official statement for Pride Month. She also asked why the LGBTQ+ special envoy position was empty. She said limiting Pride Month celebrations sends a bad message.

Gun Control

In January 2016, Baldwin signed a letter. She asked for a hearing on funding research into gun violence. She said only the U.S. government can lead research to understand gun violence.

In November 2017, Baldwin supported the Military Domestic Violence Reporting Enhancement Act. This bill would make domestic violence a charge under military law. It would also report convictions to federal databases. This would stop abusers from buying firearms.

In 2018, Baldwin supported the NICS Denial Notification Act. This law would require federal authorities to tell states within a day if someone fails a background check to buy a gun.

In January 2019, Baldwin helped introduce the Background Check Expansion Act. This bill would require background checks for all firearm sales or transfers. There would be exceptions for family transfers or temporary use.

Veterans

In August 2013, Baldwin signed a letter to the Defense Department. She warned about payday lenders offering high-interest loans to service members. She said service members deserve strong protections.

Personal Life

Baldwin's grandfather was biochemist David E. Green. Her aunt, Rowena Green Matthews, is also a biochemist. She is a third cousin of comedian and actor Andy Samberg.

Baldwin was in a relationship with Lauren Azar for 15 years. They registered as domestic partners in Wisconsin in 2009. They separated in 2010. Baldwin was baptized Episcopalian. However, she considers herself "unaffiliated" with a religion.

Baldwin owns a home in Madison, Wisconsin. She also owns an apartment in Washington D.C.

In 2020, Queerty magazine named Baldwin one of 50 heroes. This was in honor of the 50th anniversary of the first LGBTQ+ Pride parade. They recognized her for "leading the nation toward equality, acceptance, and dignity for all people."

Electoral History

U.S. House

U.S. Senate

See also

In Spanish: Tammy Baldwin para niños

• List of LGBT members of the United States Congress
• Women in the United States House of Representatives
• Women in the United States Senate