Madison, WI – Today, Madison Alder Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford announced her campaign to represent District 76 in the Wisconsin State Assembly. A small business owner, community advocate, and progressive leader, Martinez-Rutherford is running to tackle the affordability crisis head-on and put the working class at the heart of Wisconsin’s future. If elected, Martinez-Rutherford would make history as Wisconsin’s first transgender state legislator.
“Working people across Wisconsin are being squeezed from every side – rising rents, impossible childcare costs, and skyrocketing healthcare bills – all while politicians destroy our democracy and roll back our freedoms,” said Martinez-Rutherford. “I know the struggle of poverty because I live it. I am running because we need bold action to meet the needs of working-class families.”
Since joining the Madison Common Council in 2023, Martinez-Rutherford has fought to expand resources for families and neighbors in need, advocated for disability rights, and invested in vital city services. She has consistently stood with renters and low-income Wisconsinites and has been a strong voice against Republican attempts to attack the LGBTQ+ community.
In the State Assembly, Martinez-Rutherford will:
- Fight for housing as a human right – pushing for stronger tenant protections, affordable housing investments, and action to end homelessness in Wisconsin.
- Expand healthcare access to all Wisconsinites through universal Badgercare and Medicaid expansion.
- Protect our democracy and fundamental freedoms against a federal administration that is attacking our most vulnerable neighbors and rolling back progress on reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ equality.
- Enact bold policies that uplift the working class – crafting a budget that puts people first, securing more funding for our cities and social services, and finally raising the minimum wage.
- Advocate for fully-funded public schools and universal school meals so every child can focus on learning instead of hunger.
“The 76th District has a long history of progressive leadership. We stand up for our neighbors, help those in need, and demand more from our leaders in government. I’m running to continue that fight in the State Capitol and build a future where the needs of working people come before the demands of billionaires.”
Martinez-Rutherford begins her campaign with endorsements from more than a dozen current and former elected officials, including MMSD School Board Member Ali Muldrow, Madison Common Council President Regina Vidaver, and several alders and county board supervisors.
The 76th Assembly District includes downtown Madison and neighborhoods on the East and North Side. For more information about Dina Nina’s campaign, visit votedinanina.com.
