Below is an context that describes a sql query, paired with an question that provides further information. Write an answer that appropriately completes the request.  # noqa: E501
### Context:
CREATE TABLE table_1342233_17 (first_elected VARCHAR, incumbent VARCHAR)
### Question:
What year was incumbent joe b. bates first elected?
### Answer:
SELECT first_elected FROM table_1342233_17 WHERE incumbent = "Joe B. Bates"