Speaking at Attorney General Josh Kaul's election night watch party, Martinez-Rutherford reflected on the significance of her victory. "I think about when I was a kid, had I seen people that were trans doing things like being in government and being on television and living life, I would have been able to transition a lot sooner," she said, noting she transitioned in her 30s. "I hope that it gives kids or families of trans people hope that they can live to be adults and that their children are going to be safe because they have somebody representing them."

Martinez-Rutherford launched her Assembly campaign in October 2025 while serving on the Madison City Council. First elected to represent District 15 in 2023, she was reelected in April 2025 even after suspending her campaign. She said her time on the council taught her lessons she will take to the state Capitol.

"One of the things that I'm so proud of with the city was to be able to remove credit scores for subsidized housing, so people can actually get housing," she said. "Can't wait to do something like that at the state level that's transformative, especially for people who are struggling."

Her policy priorities include "BadgerCare for all, fully funding public schools, lowering property expenses, making sure that the city of Madison gets the funding that it needs." She added that she wants to reduce the burden on local governments and school districts that have repeatedly turned to referendums to raise funds.

Despite Democrats winning control of both the Assembly and Senate starting in January, Martinez-Rutherford anticipates personal attacks from some lawmakers who oppose transgender rights. She said she plans to lead with kindness. "We're just people who want to have life, liberty, and be able to pursue our happiness," she said. "I hope that people will see that and hope that people who don't agree with us or think that I'm the devil will see the person inside of me and start caring for each other a little bit more."

The 76th Assembly District, currently held by Democratic Rep. Francesca Hong, includes downtown Madison and neighborhoods on the east and north sides. Hong gave up a reelection bid to run unsuccessfully for governor. Martinez-Rutherford's council district covers parts of the Williamson Street, Marquette and Eastmorland neighborhoods as well as sections of Monona.

Martinez-Rutherford is one of five transgender candidates nationwide who made history Tuesday as the first elected to their respective state legislatures. The others are Bentley Hudgins in Georgia, Joanna Whaley in Michigan, Allison Montgomery in Alabama and Jaelynn Scott in Washington.

Her election comes as transgender rights remain a flashpoint in statehouses across the country. In Wisconsin, she said she will work to ensure that trans people "are heard, protected and able to live their lives in dignity."