U. S. REPRESENTATIVE TAMMY BALDWIN (D-WI)

(FEBRUARY 11, 1962 - )

Tammy Baldwin was born in Madison, Wisconsin on February 11, 1962. She was raised by her mother, Pamela Green and her maternal grandparents in Madison. She graduated from Madison West High School in 1980, from Smith College in 1984 and received her law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1989.

Baldwin was elected to the Dane County Board of Supervisors in 1986 and served there until 1994. She was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1993 and served there until she took office as the U.S. Representative for the 2 nd District of Wisconsin which includes the Madison area.

Rep. Baldwin is the first woman elected to Congress from Wisconsin and is currently serving her fifth term. She is also the first openly gay or lesbian non-incumbent to be elected to the House of Representatives. Baldwin is a leading advocate for universal health care, the protection of Social Security and Medicare and increasing funds for public education including financial aid for higher education.

Rep. Baldwin serves on the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Judiciary Committee. She is a forceful voice for family farmers, advocates for civil rights and works toward energy independence and the findings of renewable fuels. One of her favorite quotes is from the anthropologist Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

Baldwin and her partner Lauren Azar reside in Madison in a house built in 1894 which they restored themselves.