Baldwin and Partner Split

U.S. representative Tammy Baldwin (pictured, right) and her partner of nearly 15 years, Lauren Azar (left), have ended their relationship, according to an announcement from Baldwin's press secretary.

"Accordingly, they will also terminate their Wisconsin domestic partnership," the announcement reads. "Neither Tammy nor Lauren will have any further public comment on this very private matter."

Baldwin, a Democrat, was elected to the House of Representatives in 1998, becoming the first out lesbian and first openly gay nonincumbent to be elected to Congress. She was previously a state legislator in Wisconsin. Azar, an attorney with extensive experience in utilities, is a member of the Wisconsin Public Service Commission.