Lewis Webb

In 1958, State Senator Donald McGinley opted to successfully run for Congress rather than seek re-election. Webb ran to succeed him in the 39th district, which included Arthur, Blaine, Deuel, Garden, Grant, Hooker, Keith, Logan, McPherson, and Thomas counties.^[3] In the nonpartisan primary, Webb faced Keith County Sheriff Wayne Elliott, farmer Ed Prochaska, and rancher Jack Brogan.^[4] Webb placed first in the primary, winning 38 percent of the vote to Prochaska's 36 percent,^[5] and they advanced to the general election.^[6] Webb narrowly defeated Prochaska, winning 53–47 percent,^[5][7] and entered the legislature identifying as a Republican.^[8]

Webb ran for re-election in 1960, and was challenged by Brogan and farmer Dewey Jensen.^[9][10] Webb placed first in the primary by a wide margin, winning 48 percent of the vote to Brogan's 28 percent and Jensen's 24 percent,^[11] and he advanced to the general election with Brogan.^[12] Webb defeated Brogan, winning 57 percent of the vote to Brogan's 43 percent.^[11][13]

In 1962, Webb ran for a third term, and was challenged by former Congressman Donald McGinley, who was defeated for re-election in 1960; Chappell Mayor Ramey Whitney; and former Logan County Supervisor Robert McPherrin.^[14][15][16] In the primary election, McGinley placed first, winning 38 percent of the vote to Webb's 32 percent,^[17] and they advanced to the general election.^[18] McGinley narrowly defeated Webb, winning 51–49 percent.^[17][19]

Webb died on June 17, 1973.^[2]