Wilson decided to enter politics and in 1940 he narrowly defeated New Deal Democrat incumbent Eugene B. Crowe 71,624–69,227 and was elected as the Republican Representative for Indiana's 9th congressional district.

He served in the United States Congress until 1958, when he was defeated by Earl Hogan for reelection.

In 1964 Wilson was defeated for reelection by Democrat Lee Hamilton 74,939 – 62,780.

[6] While in Congress, Wilson was influential in moving Samuel Woodfill's body from Madison, Indiana to Arlington National Cemetery.

After his loss to Hamilton in 1964 Wilson was elected to the Indiana State Senator serving there from 1969 to 1976.