He was also active in the local Chamber of Commerce, Civitan, American Legion, Dokkies and Woodmen of the World Thomas succeeded John C. Towler and initially served alongside fellow Democrats Ray L. Garland of Roanoke and Richard Cranwell of Salem, Virginia (who would become majority leader).
Beginning in 1979 Thomas ran on a Democratic ticket with Chip Woodrum in Roanoke.
Thomas often faced no opponent when re-elected, but again in 1991 soundly defeated Independent Zaman K. McManaway and Republican Jeffrey L. Artis in 1995.
[4] After the Republican party took control of the House of Delegates in 2000 and approved a partisan redistricting, Thomas won his seat once more.
He declined to seek re-election in 2003, and Republican W. H. Fralin Jr. handily defeated both Democrat L.F. Wyatt and Independent G.M.