[4][5] Due to his experience with the Springville parent-teacher organization, Thomas initially considered a campaign for the Alabama Board of Education, but he was convinced by his friend Jack Williams to run for the state legislature instead.
[4] During Thomas' re-election campaign in 1998, absentee ballots at the St. Clair County Courthouse were tampered with, which necessitated a recount.
Thomas was engaged in a fierce primary battle against Troy King and Dean Young, the latter of whom he went to a run-off with and won against.
[9][4] After his defeat, Thomas founded and served as president of Alabama's Premier Service Company (APSCO), a commercial pressure washing business.
[4] He stated that he hoped to attract small business entrepreneurship to the town, and turn it into "the Mountain Brook of St. Clair County".
[13] On October 18, 2021, the city leadership approved a new contract with EcoSouth for garbage services, replacing Waste Management, as well as an $11 million budget.
[4][15][16] After Thomas' admission of marijuana use, the Springville city council said it had received numerous calls regarding his comments.
At the same meeting on January 25, 2022, the city council issued a proclamation expressing support for law enforcement, though not mentioning Thomas by name.