Kaufmann was raised on a small Mennonite family farm in Illinois with 11 siblings.

The following month, Kaufmann, was appointed by the Lewis and Clark County commissioners to replace him in the senate.

[5] The seat was up for election in 2008 and, on June 3, 2008, she faced a primary challenge from termed out State Representative Hal Jacobson.

[8] She was one of three LGBT members of the Montana legislature in 2015, serving alongside Diane Sands and Bryce Bennett.

Her election campaigns have received endorsements from the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund.