Tammy Baldwin, born in Madison, Wisconsin in 1962, has served in the U.S. Senate since 2013 — the first openly LGBTQ+ senator in American history. Before that, she served 14 years in the U.S. House representing Wisconsin’s 2nd District, and earlier in the Wisconsin State Assembly.
Her core brand: progressive, populist-by-economics, Midwestern by tone. She talks a lot about “working families,” fights drug prices, and pushes “Buy American” manufacturing rules. She’s very public about defending Social Security, Medicare, and union-heavy industry in a state that can swing.
Healthcare has been a throughline. She helped shape Affordable Care Act provisions and keeps pushing for mental health and Medicaid expansion. She’s also been a longtime advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, abortion rights, and anti-discrimination law.
Progressive Democrat
Achievements
- First openly LGBTQ+ senator in U.S. history, long-time advocate for equality protections
- Worked on ACA provisions, prescription drug pricing reforms, Medicaid expansion, and mental health access
- Championed “Buy American” and pro-manufacturing rules to keep jobs in Wisconsin
- Strong defender of Medicare, Social Security, and union labor priorities in a battleground state
Controversies
- Criticized by conservatives as too far left on healthcare, spending, and social policy
- Faced scrutiny over handling of a troubled VA hospital facility in Wisconsin in 2015
- Attacked by Wisconsin Republicans as out of step with rural and swing voters despite repeated statewide wins
Top Donors
| Donor | Total | Individuals | PACs |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin/Madison | $344,857 | $344,857 | $0 |
| JStreetPAC | $221,291 | $221,291 | $0 |
| EMILY's List | $199,074 | $193,528 | $5,546 |
| University Of Wisconsin | $178,365 | $178,365 | $0 |
| Google Inc | $102,969 | $92,969 | $10,000 |
Amounts shown reflect organization-linked giving; most funds listed here are from individual donors or aligned PACs.
Recent Elections
2012 Margin D +5.6%
2018 Margin D +10.8%
2024 Margin D +0.85%