He worked in various businesses including as district sales manager for Bastian Brothers Company and Jostens, following in his father’s footsteps as a salesman.
However, from 1941 to 1942, he continued to work in the House as a Speaker’s appointee to the Committee to Investigate Unemployment Compensation Civil Service.
While in the Pennsylvania State Senate, he served on the following committees and commissions:[3] On November 4, 1962, Wagner faced a close re-election against Democratic challenger Albert I. Nagle.
Both candidates then appealed to the Court of Common Pleas of Schuylkill County questioning the legality of the Board's decision.
By the time the Pennsylvania Supreme Court decided to affirm the results, the next election cycle took place in November 1966, and neither Wagner nor Nagle were able to claim the seat.