He also served in both houses of the Minnesota State Legislature: he was elected to the Minnesota State House of Representatives in 1878 (the youngest serving member at the time) and to the Minnesota State Senate from 1886 to 1895. He became Lieutenant Governor under Governor from January 31, 1895 to January 5, 1897 after Knute Nelson was elected to the U.S. Senate and his lieutenant governor David Marston Clough replaced him.
He held various roles in the Minnesota State Legislature, including positions in both houses: he was first elected to the Minnesota State House of Representatives in 1878 (the youngest serving member at the time) and later served in the Minnesota State Senate from 1886 to 1895. He took on the role of Lieutenant Governor under Governor from January 31, 1895 to January 5, 1897 after Knute Nelson's election to the U.S. Senate led to David Marston Clough assuming the position.