Quincy was an unsuccessful candidate for U.S. Representative from the 2nd District of Massachusetts in 1888 and served as the Massachusetts Democratic state chairman from 1891 to 1894 and in 1905 to 1906.
Quincy's attempt to secure a U.S. Representative position from Massachusetts's 2nd district in 1888 ended in defeat, but he went on to hold prominent positions within the Massachusetts Democratic Party, serving as chairman from 1891 to 1894 and again in 1905 to 1906.