A member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), she represented District 41, which included portions of Anoka, Hennepin, and Ramsey counties in the northern Twin Cities metropolitan area.

[4] The district includes the cities of Arden Hills, Columbia Heights, Fridley, Hilltop, New Brighton, Shoreview and St. Anthony and is divided between Anoka and Ramsey Counties.

She subsequently won the November 2, 2010, General Election, garnering 52% to Republican Gina Bauman's 41% and Independent Rae Hart Anderson's 6%.

Her special legislative concerns in the House and Senate included jobs, budget, child, adult, and worker protections and rights, anti-bullying, judicial reforms, and physical and mental healthcare.

Prior to running for election, Goodwin was Director of Legislative Central Staff and a Research Analyst in the MN House DFL for 10 years.

In the 4 years between serving in the House and Senate, Goodwin was an adjunct instructor at Hamline Graduate School where she taught Legislative Practice and Government Contracting.