Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat, has announced her bid for a third term in office, declaring her commitment to fighting for the state’s working families. Baldwin, the first openly lesbian non-incumbent LGBTQ+ person elected to the House of Representatives in 1998 and later to the Senate in 2012, has been a staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, most recently leading the effort to establish the Respect for Marriage law that was signed into law by President Joe Biden last year. She was among the senators who introduced the legislation and helped negotiate its passage with Republican colleagues.
Baldwin’s announcement comes amid a political landscape that is heating up ahead of the 2024 presidential election, in which Wisconsin, a key battleground state, will be a focal point for candidates. While several Wisconsin Republicans are reportedly considering running for Baldwin’s seat, none have made official announcements yet.
Throughout her career, Baldwin has been a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation in government. She was also the first woman to be elected to either chamber from Wisconsin. Before being elected to Congress, Baldwin served as a Dane County Board Supervisor for four terms and was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1992, serving three terms.
In her announcement, Baldwin emphasized her commitment to fighting for Wisconsin’s working families and against shady special interests and big corporations. She has been a vocal advocate for policies that support middle-class families, including expanding access to affordable healthcare and protecting Social Security and Medicare.
Baldwin’s reelection bid will undoubtedly focus on her record of advocating for the LGBTQ+ community and her dedication to advancing progressive policies that benefit all Wisconsinites. As the race for her seat heats up, Wisconsin voters will have the opportunity to choose a leader who will fight for their rights and interests in Washington.