He was a member of the Virginia Convention in 1774, 1775 and 1776, a member of the Virginia House of Delegates in 1776, 1779, 1787, 1788 and 1791 and a member of the Virginia State Senate from 1777 to 1779.
He played a significant role in the Virginia Convention over three years (1774-1776), served as a representative in the Virginia House of Delegates during several terms (1776, 1779, 1787, 1788, and 1791), and held a position in the Virginia State Senate from 1777 to 1779.