H. L. Gerhart

In 1960, State Senator David Tews declined to seek re-election,^[6] and Gerhart ran to succeed him in the 15th district, which included Madison and Pierce counties.^[2] In the nonpartisan primary, Gerhart faced Robert Garsson, the publisher of the Madison Star-Mail.^[7] Though the contest was formally nonpartisan, both Gerhart and Garsson were Republicans.^[7][8] Gerhart placed first in the primary by a wide margin, receiving 66 percent of the vote to Garsson's 34 percent.^[9] In the general election, Gerhart defeated Garsson in a landslide, winning 68–32 percent.^[9][10]

Gerhart ran for re-election in 1962,^[11] and was challenged by Alvin Massman, the president of the Battle Creek School Board.^[12] In the primary election, Gerhart placed first over Massman, winning 61 percent of the vote to Massman's 39 percent.^[13] They advanced to the general election, where Gerhart ultimately defeated Massman, winning re-election with 57 percent of the vote.^[13][14]

In 1964, Gerhart declined to seek re-election.^[15]

Gerhart died on June 19, 1989.^[3]