Childhood and Education Journey of Tammy Duckworth in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Tammy Duckworth. From birth to education, explore key events.

Tammy Duckworth is an American politician and retired Army National Guard lieutenant colonel currently serving as a U.S. Senator from Illinois since 2017. As a member of the Democratic Party, she previously represented Illinois's 8th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2013 to 2017. Duckworth is a veteran who served in the Iraq War, where she lost both of her legs and injured her right arm, receiving a Purple Heart. Her military service significantly shaped her career and public image.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

March 12, 1968: Tammy Duckworth Born

On March 12, 1968, Ladda Tammy Duckworth was born. She is an American politician and retired Army National Guard lieutenant colonel.

Others born on this day/year

2008: Spoke at the Democratic National Convention

In 2008, Duckworth spoke at the Democratic National Convention.

May 2010: Awarded honorary degree by Northern Illinois University

In May 2010, Northern Illinois University awarded Duckworth the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.

2012: Spoke at the Democratic National Convention

In 2012, Duckworth spoke at the Democratic National Convention.

2014: Birth of daughter Abigail

In 2014, Duckworth and Bowlsbey's first daughter, Abigail, was born.

March 2015: Completion of PhD

In March 2015, Tammy Duckworth completed her PhD in human services at Capella University School of Public Service Leadership, with her dissertation titled 'Exploring Illinois physicians' experience using electronic medical records (EMR) via the UTAUT model'.

March 30, 2015: Senate Campaign Announcement

On March 30, 2015, Tammy Duckworth announced her candidacy to challenge incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Mark Kirk in the 2016 Senate election in Illinois.

March 15, 2016: Won Democratic Primary

On March 15, 2016, Tammy Duckworth won the Democratic primary election.

October 27, 2016: Kirk's controversial statement

On October 27, 2016, during a televised debate, Senator Mark Kirk made a controversial statement about Tammy Duckworth's parents, which led the Human Rights Campaign to rescind its endorsement of Kirk and endorse Duckworth instead.

2016: Participated in gun control filibuster and House sit-in

In 2016, Duckworth participated in the Chris Murphy gun control filibuster. During the 2016 United States House of Representatives sit-in, she hid her mobile phone in her prosthetic leg to prevent it from being taken away.

2016: Spoke at the Democratic National Convention

In 2016, Duckworth spoke at the Democratic National Convention.

2016: Interview with GQ magazine on gun control

In a 2016 interview with GQ magazine, Duckworth discussed the need for Senate control to pass firearm restrictions and the influence of the NRA on moderate Republicans.

January 2018: Responded to President Trump during government shutdown

In January 2018, during a federal government shutdown, Duckworth responded to President Trump's accusations that Democrats were prioritizing "unlawful immigrants" over the military.

April 6, 2018: Death of Daniel Akaka

On April 6, 2018, former Senator Daniel Akaka, who helped name Duckworth's daughters, passed away.

August 2018: Signed letter demanding action to reunite migrant children with families

In August 2018, Duckworth was one of 17 senators who signed a letter to Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen demanding action to reunite 539 migrant children with their families.

September 2020: Critical of Amy Coney Barrett Supreme Court nomination

In September 2020, Duckworth publicly criticized Trump's decision to nominate Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, citing Barrett's membership in a group that considers in vitro fertilization immoral.

2020: Spoke at the Democratic National Convention

In 2020, Duckworth spoke at the Democratic National Convention and called Trump "coward-in-chief" for not supporting the American military. She was the permanent co-chair of the convention.

January 3, 2021: Received vote for Speaker of the House

On January 3, 2021, Duckworth received a vote for Speaker of the House of Representatives from Jared Golden, despite not being a member of that legislative body.

2021: Response to Capitol attack

In 2021, after the attack on the U.S. Capitol, Duckworth called Trump "a threat to our nation" and advocated for his removal from office. She also called for the resignation of Representative Mary Miller for quoting Adolf Hitler.

2022: Response to Roe v. Wade Overturn

In 2022, after Roe v. Wade was overturned, Duckworth expressed outrage and called the decision a "nightmare" that robbed women of their right to make health care decisions.

June 2023: Criticized Senator Kyrsten Sinema

In June 2023, Duckworth criticized Senator Kyrsten Sinema for proposing legislation to limit the amount of time an airplane pilot needs to train for certification.

November 2023: Organized meeting with Israeli defense officials

In November 2023, Duckworth organized a meeting with Israeli defense officials to discuss their strategy in the Gaza war. She stated that a ceasefire "would not help the residents of Gaza nor would it help the security of Israel".