Frank A. Barrett studied law and science at Creighton University and served in the United States Army during World War I. He began his career in public service as a county attorney and later served in the Wyoming Senate. Barrett transitioned to federal politics, winning a seat in Congress and subsequently becoming Governor of Wyoming. He then served in the U.S. Senate, where he notably voted in favor of the Civil Rights Act of 1957. After his Senate term, Barrett was appointed Chief Counsel of the Department of Agriculture.

Frank A. Barrett's political career is marked by an intriguing blend of progressive civil rights advocacy and regional economic conservatism. His support for the Civil Rights Act of 1957 contrasts with his generally conservative stance, suggesting a nuanced approach to civil liberties. Barrett's legislative record reveals a strategic alignment with opposing factions on environmental regulations, hinting at a calculated effort to safeguard local industrial interests. His personal life, including the loss of his first wife to cancer and his subsequent remarriage, adds a layer of complexity to his public persona.