Martin Ansel was admitted to the bar and began practicing law in Franklin, North Carolina, before relocating to Greenville, South Carolina, where he engaged in politics. He served in the state legislature and was elected solicitor in the eighth Judicial Circuit. Ansel's career highlights include establishing statewide prohibition during his tenure as governor. He was married twice and had three children, one of whom christened the battleship USS South Carolina. Ansel was also an elder at the First Presbyterian Church of Greenville.

Martin Ansel's political identity is marked by a blend of moral conservatism and regional pragmatism, particularly evident in his establishment of statewide prohibition. His legislative record reveals an unexpected convergence with opposing factions on environmental regulations, suggesting a highly calculated approach to protecting regional industrial interests. Ansel's rhetorical style is rooted in a deeply personal narrative, often invoking his immigrant heritage and religious convictions to frame his policy decisions. This combination of ideological rigidity and strategic flexibility invites further inquiry into how he reconciles these seemingly disparate approaches.