In 1982, Foster was elected to the State House at the age of 24, succeeding his father.[2] He served in the chamber as a member of the Democratic Party from 1983 until 1991. As his North Georgia district became increasingly friendly to Republicans down-ballot, Foster faced more difficult reelection campaigns. He was ultimately defeated in 1990 by Republican Harold Mann. The two squared off a second time in 1996, though Mann won decisively and Foster's political career ended.