Traxler was born in Kawkawlin, Michigan, and attended the public schools in Bay City, including T.L.

Following the resignation of Republican James Harvey on January 31, 1974, Traxler ran in the subsequent special election.

He was elected as a Democrat on April 16, 1974, to fill the vacancy to the 93rd United States Congress in Michigan's 8th congressional district.

Due to congressional redistricting following the 1990 census, the area represented by Traxler mostly became the 5th district.

James A. Barcia was elected to succeed Traxler for the 103rd Congress in the re-drawn 5th congressional district.