Porter served as reeve for Amabel from 1880 to 1883 and in 1885. He was defeated in the general election held in 1890 but elected in an 1891 by-election held after the election of John George was overturned on appeal. He died in office in 1893.
Porter served as reeve for Amabel from 1880 to 1883 and again in 1885. He initially lost the general election of 1890 but ultimately secured his position through a by-election held in 1891 following an appeal that overturned John George's victory, which was later confirmed. Porter died while still holding office in 1893.