William Arthur Winstead (January 6, 1904 – March 14, 1995) was an American farmer and politician who served for over two decades as a member of the United States House of Representatives. Representing the state of Mississippi, Winstead served constituents in both the fourth and fifth congressional districts. His legislative career began in 1943 and continued uninterrupted through the mid-twentieth century, concluding in 1965. Throughout his life, Winstead maintained his roots in agriculture alongside his political duties.
His lengthy tenure in Congress came to an unexpected end during the election of 1964. Winstead lost his seat by a substantial margin to his Republican challenger, Prentiss Walker. The outcome of the election was heavily influenced by national political dynamics, specifically the presidential campaign of Barry Goldwater. Walker's campaign benefited from a surge of support for Goldwater among Mississippi voters, leading to Winstead's defeat and the conclusion of his congressional service.
