He served two terms in the state legislature beginning in 1854, and was an elector for James Buchanan in 1856. After Louisiana announced its secession on January 26, 1861, Villeré raised a cavalry company in support of the nascent Confederacy.
Villeré held office in the state legislature from 1854 onwards, and served as an elector for James Buchanan in 1856. Upon Louisiana's secession announcement on January 26, 1861, he established a cavalry unit in support of the burgeoning Confederate forces.