Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/dem-tammy-baldwin-becomes-first-openly-gay-senator-elected Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Story Tammy Baldwin triumphed over former Gov. Tommy Thompson to become the first openly-gay member of the Senate, winning Wisconsin’s seat. The seven term congresswoman from Madison County outspent Thompson 3 to 1 in television ads as she surged in the polls going into November. Thompson was governor of the Badger State from 1987-2001 .