Briggs was then elected as a Republican to the 36th United States Congress, and was United States Representative for the seventh district of New York from March 4, 1859, to March 3, 1861.
Briggs was chosen as a Republican for the 36th United States Congress and served as a U.S. Representative for the seventh district of New York from March 4, 1859, until March 3, 1861.