In 1975, Williamson sought reelection to the state Senate from District 39 and faced an unexpected challenger, state Representative Wilson, who was completing a single term in the House during Williamson's first term in the Senate.
After his loss to Williamson, Wilson switched parties and made unsuccessful campaigns in 1978 and 1980 as a Republican for the Fourth Congressional District seat vacated by the longtime U.S. Representative Joe David "Joe D." Waggonner, Jr., of Plain Dealing in northern Bossier Parish.