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In 1939, her husband, Chester C. Bolton, died while serving as a Republican congressman from the 22nd District. Mrs. Bolton served out his term, and, in a special election in 1940, she won the seat in her own right. During her long tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, her major interests were nursing and foreign affairs. 
The comments of her former congressional colleagues, especially testifying to her skills in foreign relations, are indeed a unique tribute that could make anyone proud. I would like to quote from some of these reminiscences verbatim. From former Senator J. William Fulbright, "I first met Frances Bolton in January, 1943. She was then a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, I believe the only woman on the committee. Frances Bolton was a fine speaker and quite positive in the presentation of her views. She was especially interested in our relations with our allies, and having traveled extensively, was very well informed. I was especially grateful to her for her support of House Concurrent Resolution #25, adopted by the House of Representatives on September 21, 1943. It was my first effort at legislation as a new member of the House."
Leonor K. Sullivan-Archibald, member of the House of Representatives for 24 years, wrote that it was a privilege to travel with Mrs. Bolton on trips to foreign countries because of her vast knowledge of problems of the countries visited and her desire to understand their needs.
John V. Lindsay, former mayor of New York and United States Congressman wrote, "I have many happy memories of the Congress which I refresh from time to time when I go back and stand on the floor and see old friends. But certainly one of the happiest memories of all is that of my service with Frances Bolton. She was a remarkable person, a perfectly wonderful woman, and a superb representative of her district. My, Ohio was lucky to have her in the House, and what a credit she was to a great state and to the country. I think that I paid as much attention to Frances as I did to anyone when she was speaking on the floor on international matters. She and I shared a love of the subject, a fascination with its complexities, and a growing knowledge about the congressional role as well as the executive. I am quite sure that she swung my vote on more than one occasion."
 Former Representative William J. Stanton went so far as to say, "No person, man or woman, had greater influence in shaping American policy in Africa than the former distinguished lady from the 22nd District of Ohio. Her early involvement led the way for the humanitarian policies that the present administration is displaying as it attempts to help millions of poor and starving in sub-Saharan Africa.
"Frances Bolton has always been a hero of mine," Representative Stanton continued. "Her decency, honesty and dedication was obvious to everyone who had the privilege of working with her. In fact, these accolades could be considered a family portrait, because her husband, sons, and grandchildren typify the best of the American people."
Vice President George Bush also felt the influence of Frances Payne Bolton: "When Barbara and I first came to Washington in 1966, Mrs. Bolton was already a veteran member of Congress. I was just a rookie and looking for models of how to be a good congressman. Mrs. Bolton's zest for life, her expertise in foreign affairs and health matters, and her selfless dedication to her constituents and country set a standard for all of us in the Class of '66."
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