[1][4][5] In 1946 and 1950, Folkes ran for the Virginia's 3rd congressional district seat, but lost to J. Vaughan Gary in both Democratic primary elections.

In 1949, he was the 3rd district campaign manager for Francis Pickens Miller during his gubernatorial primary race.

[1] From 1954 to his death, Folkes served in the Virginia House of Delegates, representing Henrico, Chesterfield and Colonial Heights.

In 1958, he was a member of the currency and commerce, privileges and elections, roads and internal navigation and the Chesepeake and its tributaries committees.

[1] Folkes was vice president of the board of visitors of the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind starting in 1938.