“In the last two years, I worked hard with President Biden to lower costs for working families, boost our Made in Wisconsin economy, and create good paying jobs in all corners of our state…. By working with Democrats and Republicans, we’ve invested in rebuilding America’s roads, bridges and water infrastructure, using American products and American workers. And we made progress to lower the cost of prescription drugs because no one should go broke to get the care they need to stay healthy. I am proud to have delivered for Wisconsin’s families, businesses and farmers, and I look forward to continuing to work with President Biden to invest in our Made in Wisconsin economy and workforce and expand access to affordable health care for all Americans.” (Press Release following President Biden 2023 State of the Union Address)

 

BACKGROUND + EXPERIENCE

Sixty-two year old Tammy Baldwin was born+ raised in Madison, Wisconsin by her maternal grandparents. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Smith College in 1984 + graduated from U Wisconsin Law School in 1989. She then worked for several years in a private legal practice.

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Sen. Balwin started her political career during law school, when she was elected to the Dane County Board of Supervisors (1986-94) + was appointed to the Madison City Council to fill a vacancy. She was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly (1993-99), the first gay person to be elected to that body + with her election to the US House of Representatives in 1999, became the first openly lesbian person to be elected to that body. In 2013, Baldwin ran for the US Senate + beat former Wisconsin governor Tommy Thompson for that seat. In 2018, she won her second term over the former state assistant house speaker + Trump-endorsed Leah Vukmir by almost 11 points.

 

ON THE ISSUES

Baldwin has described herself in the mold of Robert “Fighting Bob” LaFollette (1855-1925), revered Wisconsin politician + founder of the Progressive party.  Along with Barney Frank, she sponsored much of the early legislation to provide rights for LGBTQ persons + she has received 100% rating from Planned Parenthood + other reproductive rights organizations. Baldwin was an early supporter of Bernie Sanders + favors Medicare for All.

Other issues of national + Wisconsin importance to Baldwin include:

• gun control

• combatting opioid addiction

• support for the Dreamers Act.

• the cost of healthcare + prescription drugs

• Standing up for veterans

• Taking on special interests

• Holding Wall Street accountable

• Fighting for debt-free higher education

• Strengthening “Made in Wisconsin” manufacturing

• Defending the Great Lakes + clean water

• Rebuilding roads + bridges

 

POLITICS IN WISCONSIN

Wisconsin is a purple state that will be an important presidential battleground. Government is divided; the governor + secretary of state + one of the Senators – Sen. Baldwin are Democrats. The state legislature is held by Republicans, who also hold six of the eight US House seats. Sen. Baldwin's opponent is Eric Hovde a far right mega-millionaire.

Sen. Baldwin won her 2018 race with an almost 11 point margin over another Trump supporter, but the state has an R+2 margin. In 2022, Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes lost his contest with Senator Ron Johnson by just 1%.

 

COMMITTEES + CAUCUSES

Committee on Appropriations

• Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies (Chair)

• Subcommittee on Defense

• Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development

• Subcommittee on Homeland Security

• Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies

• 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, Freight, and Ports

Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

• Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety

• Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security