In her first term, Hortman was an outspoken advocate for the Northstar Commuter Rail line, which runs through her district. She also supported a new stadium for the Minnesota Twins. She has been an advocate of environmental issues and in the effort to bring the 2020 Summer Olympics to Minnesota.
Hortman's first term saw her advocating for the Northstar Commuter Rail line, a new stadium for the Minnesota Twins, and environmental initiatives, as well as supporting the bid for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Minnesota.