The Feminist Majority is proud to announce its endorsement of Wisconsin Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) for the open United States Senate seat vacated by retiring Wisconsin Senator Herb Kohl.

Congresswoman Baldwin has proven to be an incredible asset for women and the fight for equal rights in the U.S. House of Representatives, as she will also be in the Senate. Since her election to the House in 1999, Baldwin has been a prolific leader in achieving affordable access to women’s health care and equal rights, and in standing up for jobs and small businesses against corporate lobbying interests. For the upcoming campaign, Baldwin will focus on Wall Street reform and economic justice for the middle class.

“Tammy Baldwin is an incredible woman and effective legislator. Her record in the House shows her dedication to equal rights and justice for all,” said Eleanor Smeal, Feminist Majority President. “She courageously speaks out and fights against the GOP’s war on women.”

If Baldwin wins this Senate seat, she will be the first open lesbian and first openly gay person to serve in the Senate. With only 17 women Senators out of 100 total, women, the LGBTQ community, and America need Baldwin’s courage, relentless determination, and pragmatic legislative ability to ensure tangible results. The Feminist Majority believes that Baldwin will continue to be a fighter for women and equal rights in the Senate. Smeal added, “In deciding to run for the Senate seat in Wisconsin, Baldwin is a trailblazer for women and the LGBT community.”

As a leader in the House, Baldwin led efforts to establish a permanent Violence against Women office at the Department of Justice; penned the resolution for a National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month to promote education on domestic violence and sexual assault; and authored the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program Reauthorization Act to expand access to breast and cervical cancer screenings for low-income, uninsured, or under-insured women.

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