He was elected as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1858, 1863, and 1866, serving as speaker in the session of 1866. He was elected as a member of the Minnesota State Senate 1867–1869.
In the mid-19th century, he was elected to serve in the Minnesota legislative assembly in 1858, 1863, and 1866, holding a leadership position as speaker during one of those terms. He later represented the state senate from 1867 to 1869.