Howard was first elected to the House of Representatives as a Populist in 1894, defeating incumbent William H. Denson. He was reelected in 1896 in a three-way race, although he won only 35.8% of the vote. He did not seek another term in 1898.
Howard was first elected as a Populist to the House of Representatives in 1894, defeating William H. Denson. He won re-election in 1896 in a three-way contest but received only 35.8% of the vote. He declined to run for another term in 1898.