Gorbachev rose steadily through the ranks of the Communist Party

Gorbachev returned to his native Stavropol after receiving his diploma to take charge of the local Komsomol. By using charm to win over powerful politicians, he was able to advance to the position of First Secretary of Stavropol by 1970, giving him considerable control over the area. It was simple for him to join the political elite in Moscow from there. Gorbachev was appointed Central Committee Secretary in 1978. With the promotion came a significant rise in Gorbachev's level of living: the couple now had access to shops, better medical care, and even a cook and maids. Gorbachev steadily advanced through the ranks of the regional government.

He was flattering to his superiors, winning the favor of important local politicians like Fyodor Kulakov, who the authorities regarded as politically trustworthy. Some of his coworkers disliked his success because of his ability to outwit competitors. He assumed leadership of the Stavropol City Komsomol after being elevated to First Secretary in September 1956. In April 1958, he was appointed deputy head of the Komsomol for the entire region. He was then provided with nicer housing, a two-room apartment with a private kitchen, toilet, and bathroom. He established a youth discussion group in Stavropol and worked to enlist the local youth in Khrushchev's agricultural and development efforts.