In 1855 West was elected to the Texas House of Representatives and served one term. During this tenure he established a partnership with Judge John Hancock; their law firm represented the Houston and Texas Central Railway. West was appointed Secretary of State by Governor Francis R. Lubbock but soon left to fight in the Civil War, on the side of the C.S.A.
In 1855, West was elected to the Texas House of Representatives and served one term. During this time, he partnered with Judge John Hancock to represent the Houston and Texas Central Railway. He later became Secretary of State under Governor Francis R. Lubbock but left to fight in the Civil War on the Confederate side.