In 2018, Nelson was an unsuccessful candidate in the Republican primary to represent Minnesota's 1st congressional district.

Her special legislative concerns include health care, commerce, higher education, and taxes.

[7] Nelson was named a 2021 Legislator of Distinction by the Minnesota League of Cities, a nonpartisan association of local governments.

[4] Nelson has been a member of Junior Achievement, the University of Minnesota Citizens Advisory Council, and the Rochester Music Guild.

[11] Nelson failed to secure the Republican Party endorsement on April 21, 2018, when Jim Hagedorn earned 76%[12] of the vote on the first ballot.