When the anti-Semitic preacher Gerald B. Winrod ran for the Republican nomination for the United States Senate in 1938 and seemed likely to win it, Reed was recruited by the mainstream political establishment as a popular figure who could prevent Winrod's nomination. Reed won the nomination and the general election, unseating incumbent Democrat George McGill, and was re-elected in 1944, and served in that office until his death.
When anti-Semitic politician Gerald B. Winrod was poised to secure the Republican Senate nomination in 1938, Reed was recruited by the establishment as a moderate alternative who could block his victory. Reed went on to win the nomination and election, ousting incumbent Democrat George McGill, and was re-elected in 1944, serving until his passing.