Originally a lawyer, he entered politics, rising quickly. He was elected governor in 1972 and 1980, serving from 1973 to 1977 and from 1981 to 1985. From 1977 to 1981, Democrat Joseph Teasdale was governor. Bond was suceeded in 1985 by John Ashcroft, a fellow Republican. Bond was elected senator in 1986 and re-elected in 1992 and 1998. His next election will be in 2004.