In 2014, Vorpagel entered the race for Wisconsin State Assembly in the 5th district seat being vacated by Steve Kestell, who was not running for another term. Vorpagel immediately unveiled endorsements from Plymouth Mayor Don Pohlman and State Representative André Jacque, of the neighboring 2nd State Assembly district.[2] He faced a close contest in the Republican primary, and prevailed with 36% of the vote.[3] He went on to defeat Democrat Scott Grover Heinig with 64% of the vote in the November general election.[4] He was subsequently reelected in 2016 and 2018 by a similar margin. He did not face an opponent in 2020.[5]
In November 2020, Vorpagel was elected by his colleagues to serve as the Chair of the Majority Caucus.[6]
In April 2022, Vorpagel announced he would not run for a fifth term to the state legislature.[7][8]