In 1863 he was elected to his first of five terms in the Minnesota House of Representatives as a Republican, serving from 1864 to 1866, 1876–1878, 1885–1887 and 1895–1897. He also twice served as speaker, in 1877 and 1885.
He was elected to his first of five terms in the Minnesota House of Representatives as a Republican from 1864 to 1866, 1876–1878, 1885–1887 and 1895–1897. He also served as speaker on two occasions, in 1877 and 1885.