Bedford County voters elected Leftwich to represent them several times, beginning in 1801 when he became one of Bedford County's representatives (part-time) in the Virginia House of Delegates, and won re-election annually until 1809.
From 1801 until 1809, Bedford County voters consistently elected Leftwich as their representative. He initially served as one of Bedford County's part-time representatives in the Virginia House of Delegates and was re-elected each year throughout this time.