Wisconsin Elects First Transgender State Lawmaker Dina Martinez-Rutherford

Wisconsin Elects Its First Transgender Lawmaker

Madison made history Tuesday night, electing Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford as Wisconsin’s first transgender state representative. The 56-year-old won the race for the 76th Assembly District with a commanding 92% of the vote against Republican candidate Nina Chat, according to a report from The Cap Times.

A Record-Breaking Night Nationally

Martinez-Rutherford’s victory is part of a larger trend.

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The district includes downtown Madison and neighborhoods on the east and north side.

From City Council to State Capitol

Martinez-Rutherford’s political journey began on the Madison City Council, where she was first elected in 2023 and reelected in April 2025, despite having suspended her campaign that year. She said she learned important lessons during that time she plans to take with her to the state Capitol.

Policy Priorities for Wisconsin

Despite the fact Democrats will control both the Assembly and Senate starting in January, Martinez-Rutherford is under no illusions about the challenges ahead. Her presence in the Capitol will be a test for Wisconsin’s political culture. Can a state known for its political divides find common ground on issues affecting transgender citizens? Her victory suggests a growing acceptance, but her time in office will reveal whether that acceptance translates into substantive legislative action.

We’re just people who want to have life, liberty, and be able to pursue our happiness. I hope that people will see that and hope that people who don’t agree with us or think I’m the devil will see the person inside of me and start caring for each other a little bit more.

Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford, Wisconsin State Assembly-elect

The path forward for Martinez-Rutherford is clear: to legislate with empathy and a focus on tangible solutions. Her journey from a city councilor to a state lawmaker is more than a personal triumph; it is a reflection of a changing America, one where representation is increasingly reflecting the diversity of the people it serves.

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