In 1911 he was living in Pickens, Mississippi and was elected to the state senate from Holmes County (21st district).

[2] In 1919 Casteel ran successfully for lieutenant governor on a ticket with fellow Democrat Lee M. Russell.

)[4] After his term in office he purchased 400 acres near Canton, Mississippi and built a home there named "Poverty Hill".

On the last day of the convention he rode a donkey down the aisle to his seat carrying an image of nominee Al Smith.

[6] On June 9, 1913 Casteel married Jean Calahan (1889-1914) of Pickens, who died September 9, 1914.