 McElman worked to rebuild the Liberal Party after its defeat and worked closely with Louis J. Robichaud after he became party leader in 1958.When the Liberals were returned to power in the 1960 provincial election he served as Executive Assistant to Premier Robichaud and helped develop and implement the Program for Equal Opportunity which sought to improve the quality of health care and social services throughout the province.In 1966, he was summoned to the Senate of Canada representing the senatorial division of Nashwaak Valley, New Brunswick.