In March 2018, Bernier announced that she would run to represent the 23rd district in the Wisconsin State Senate, an open seat due to the retirement of Terry Moulton.

Bernier was born in Eau Claire to John and Marge (Ginder) Anderson and grew up in Lake Hallie, Wisconsin.

While raising her children, she worked a variety of part-time and limited term jobs including certified nursing assistant, waitress, and census taker.

[7] In 2010, Bernier defeated incumbent Democrat Kristen Dexter for the Wisconsin State Assembly 68th district in the November 2 general election.

Bernier voted in support of the Budget Repair Bill (Act 10) in 2011, which requires state employees to contribute 5.8% of their salaries to cover pension costs, contribute 12.6% towards their health care premiums, and weakens collective bargaining privileges for most public employee union members.