In 1840, Thompson was elected as a Whig to the United States House of Representatives to fill the vacancy in Kentucky's 5th District caused by the death of Simeon H. Anderson. He was subsequently reelected in 1842 and served until March 3, 1843.
In 1840, Thompson was elected as a Whig member of the U.S. House of Representatives to replace Simeon H. Anderson, who had passed away. He successfully defended his seat in 1842 and served until March 3, 1843.