WASHINGTON -- Rep. Tammy Baldwin, an out Democrat from Wisconsin, announced today that she would indeed run for the U.S. Senate and make a bid to become the first openly gay senator in American history.

Gay rights supporters immediately endorsed Baldwin, including the Victory Fund and the Human Rights Campaign, because of her long-standing support of equality issues.

"Many of you know Tammy. You know how decent, smart and caring she is. And if you've followed pro-equality efforts on Capitol Hill in the last decade, you know she doesn't give up. She fights as long as it takes to win, and that's how she's going to win this campaign. And when she wins, Wisconsin families will have no stronger advocate in Washington," said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Victory Fund.

"Victory's support for Tammy goes all the way back to the first time we endorsed her in a 1992 campaign for the Wisconsin legislature. She's won every election since, and in 1998 became the first openly LGBT American elected to Congress as a non-incumbent. For years she's been a brave voice on Capitol Hill, standing up to discrimination and speaking out both for her constituents and LGBT Americans," he said.

Joe Solmonese, outgoing president of the Human Rights Campaign, said Baldwin would be a great leader for equality.

“Tammy Baldwin’s candidacy for the U.S. Senate is monumental for both the state of Wisconsin and the country’s LGBT community,” Solmonese said. “Tammy has proven herself as an effective legislator over the course of her 13 years in Congress and this campaign will be a top priority for the Human Rights Campaign.”

Baldwin is a strong supporter of LGBT equality – scoring a 100% in HRC’s Congressional Scorecard every year she has served in Congress. In addition to her strong record on civil rights, Baldwin’s work has also focused on jobs and the middle class. HRC will be mobilizing members to volunteer for and contribute to the campaign beginning with an email alert launching today, Solmonese said.

“Tammy’s election to the U.S. Senate will make history. Added to her long list of firsts, Tammy will be the first woman to represent Wisconsin in the U.S. Senate. Her commitment to equality for all Americans is matched only by her commitment to the people of Wisconsin,” he said.

Baldwin hopes to replace retiring Sen. Herb Kohl, also a Democrat.

"I’ve decided to run for the U.S. Senate because I believe Wisconsin families need a senator who will work hard to deliver results for the middle class -- a leader with the courage to do what's right, no matter how tough the odds or how powerful the special interests we have to fight," Baldwin said in a statement today.

"I can’t wait to take my fight to the Senate: a fight to grow our economy, protect seniors, force Wall Street to clean up its act, and bring our troops home from Afghanistan. And I can't wait to see you on the trail as we bring our campaign to every corner of Wisconsin."