Following World War II, he ran for Congress and was elected to the open seat in the state's 2nd district in 1946 and re-elected in 1948.

He was a candidate for the United States Senate in 1950 and 1956 but was defeated both times in the Republican primary by Herman Welker.

The successor to his open seat, Republican Hamer H. Budge, was the first Mormon to represent Idaho in either house of Congress.

For 35 consecutive elections, 1950 through 2024, the 2nd district winner has been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress