He graduated from James Fowler High School and went to Brigham Young University, obtaining a bachelor of science degree in 1977.
He defeated incumbent Liberal Frank Bruseker in a hotly contested election.
In the 2001 Alberta general election he was re-elected to his second term in a landslide increasing his plurality by 6000 votes, winning over 10,000 more than the second place candidate.
He was re-elected to his third term in the 2004 Alberta general election and was appointed by Premier Ralph Klein to be the Minister of Energy.
[citation needed] Melchin was appointed Minister of Seniors and Community Supports after Ed Stelmach became premier.