Louis A. Arnold spent several years in public service, beginning with a stint as a schoolteacher before transitioning to a role in manufacturing. He later served as an alderman and tax commissioner for the City of Milwaukee, and represented the 7th District in the Wisconsin Senate. Arnold's career also included significant involvement in the Socialist Party, highlighted by his nomination for Governor of Wisconsin and his role as a delegate in ratifying the Twenty-first Amendment.

Louis A. Arnold's political career reveals an intriguing blend of local governance expertise and ideological consistency. His long-standing roles in Milwaukee's municipal government, coupled with his advocacy for social-democratic policies, showcase a deeply localized approach to broader ideological commitments. Arnold's support for the Twenty-first Amendment suggests a calculated alignment with temperance movements, adding a surprising dimension to his otherwise progressive platform. His active participation in the "Sewer Socialists" further highlights a pragmatic yet principled stance on social issues.