 Lucas became a farmer, and served as Treasurer of Brule County from 1888 to 1890.When the Soldiers Home in Hot Springs was constructed in 1890, Lucas was appointed the first commandant with the rank of Colonel, and he served from 1890 until 1894.In 1892 Lucas was elected to Seat B, one of South Dakota's two at-large seats in the United States House of Representatives, and he served one term, March 4, 1893 to March 3, 1895.