 Trandahl began his congressional career in 1983 as an aide to Senator James Abdnor (R-SD).From 1987 to 1990 and from 1990 to 1995, he was affiliated with the offices of Congresswoman Virginia Smith (R-NE) and Congressman Pat Roberts (R-KS) and with the Committees on Appropriations and House Administration, respectively.In 1995, he joined the Office of the Clerk and served in various capacities.