Baldwin graduated from Madison West High School in Wisconsin. She then earned her bachelor's degree from Smith College and her J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School. After earning her J.D., she went into private practice. She started her political career as a member of Dane County's Board of Supervisors.^[1] She was previously a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Wisconsin's 2nd Congressional District from 1999 to 2013. She also served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1993 to 1999.