She served as chief justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court from her appointment by Governor Tim Pawlenty in 2010 until her retirement on October 1, 2023.

She represented the university system for 11 years, including during the scandal involving former men's basketball coach Clem Haskins.

She served on the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission from 2001 to 2004 under Governors Jesse Ventura and Tim Pawlenty.

In 2010, Pawlenty appointed her chief justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court, replacing Eric Magnuson.

[5] In 2012, Gildea was reelected chief justice, defeating Daniel Griffith in the general election with 60% of the vote.