Russ Feingold

Russ Feingold, born on March second, nineteen fifty-three, is a distinguished American politician and lawyer known for his impactful career in public service. He served as a United States senator from Wisconsin from nineteen ninety-three to two thousand eleven, representing the Democratic Party. Prior to his tenure in the Senate, Feingold was a Wisconsin state senator for the twenty-seventh district from nineteen eighty-three to nineteen ninety-three.

Feingold is perhaps best known for his collaboration with Senator John McCain on the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of two thousand two, commonly referred to as the McCain–Feingold Act, which aimed to reform campaign finance laws. His commitment to principled governance was further exemplified when he was the sole senator to oppose the Patriot Act of two thousand one. In recognition of his courage, he and McCain were awarded the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award in nineteen ninety-nine.

In two thousand ten, Feingold faced a challenging reelection campaign, ultimately losing to Republican Ron Johnson. Despite this setback, he remained active in public life, being appointed by Secretary of State John Kerry in two thousand thirteen as a special envoy to the Great Lakes region of Africa. Feingold announced his candidacy for his former Senate seat in two thousand fifteen but was defeated again by Johnson in a rematch.

In two thousand twenty, Feingold took on a new role as president of the American Constitution Society, a position he held until April two thousand twenty-five. Currently, he serves as the Chair of the Campaign for Nature's Global Steering Committee, continuing his dedication to public service and environmental advocacy.