In 1994, Dyrstad ran for the U.S. Senate but lost the Independent Republican primary to Rod Grams.
Born and raised in St. James, Minnesota, Dyrstad (née Sletta) spent most of her adult life in Red Wing, where she served as mayor from 1985 to 1991.
She is often credited with leading efforts to revitalize the historic riverfront of downtown Red Wing.
In 1994, Dyrstad ran an aggressive campaign in the Independent Republican primary for U.S. Senate against Congressman Rod Grams.
In the 2006 gubernatorial election, Dyrstad endorsed Independence Party nominee Peter Hutchinson over the more conservative Republican incumbent, Tim Pawlenty.