Tammy Duckworth was born in 1968 in Bangkok and served as an Army helicopter pilot in Iraq. In 2004, her Black Hawk was hit by enemy fire; she lost both legs and partial use of her right arm. She received a Purple Heart for her service.
After recovery, she became a nationally visible advocate for veterans and wounded warriors. She served as Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs, then represented Illinois in the U.S. House before winning a U.S. Senate seat in 2016 and securing re-election in 2022.
Duckworth’s core issues: VA reform, disability rights, maternal/child health, paid family leave, infant formula and supply chain safety, infrastructure, and transit. She’s also vocal on reproductive rights and voting rights, and she’s seen as a disciplined, serious national-security messenger for Democrats.
Stylistically she’s not performative-left. She’s “I bled for this country, now do right by the people who did the same,” and that plays well in the Midwest.
Establishment Democrat
Achievements
- Expanded VA services, modernization, and caregiver support for wounded veterans
- Championed paid family leave, child care access, and maternal health protections
- National leader on disability rights, workplace access, and transit equity
- Pushed infrastructure and transportation safety as economic priorities for Illinois
Controversies
- Criticized by conservatives for strong abortion-rights and voting-rights positions
- Opposed certain Trump-era Pentagon/defense nominees, drawing accusations of partisanship on national security
- Some progressives argue she’s still too aligned with establishment defense and foreign policy thinking
Top Donors
| Donor | Total | Individuals | PACs |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMILY's List | $188,986 | $178,986 | $10,000 |
| Simmons Hanly Conroy | $130,500 | $130,500 | $0 |
| American Israel Public Affairs Cmte | $105,500 | $95,500 | $10,000 |
| Marquis Energy | $77,699 | $74,399 | $3,300 |
| United Airlines | $59,523 | $50,523 | $9,000 |
Amounts shown reflect organization-linked giving; most funds listed here are from individual donors or aligned PACs.
Recent Elections
2016 Margin D +14.8%
2022 Margin D +12.1%