She defeated incumbent Democrat John L. Whitehead, a member of the Byrd Organization who supported closing schools to prevent racial integration.

[6] Her platform, considered progressive for the day, included reinstating compulsory education, requiring polio vaccinations and the jailing of drunk drivers, and support for open government.

[4] In 1961 Giesen was defeated for reelection by Democrat Kenneth I. Devore, as schools had reopened, but many whites supported private segregated academies.

Devore likewise served two terms, and received more prestigious committee assignments (to General Laws, Roads, and House Expenses).

Although Augusta Steel closed, and he lost his initial campaign in 1961 and a re-election bid during the post-Watergate Democratic landslide, Pete Giesen represented those cities and parts of Augusta County as well as all or parts of Bath, Highland and Rockingham Counties for more than three decades of elected public service (1964-1996).

[7] The Virginia Tech library, special collections division, has her papers, including a taped interview.