In 1921 he was elected Governor of Rhode Island, in large part due to the strong support of women voters. 1921 was the first year women were allowed to vote in state elections in Rhode Island. He served as governor from January 4, 1921, to January 2, 1923, and did not win the nomination for governor in 1922 in large part to his handling of a large textile strike. He called in the state militia to handle the strike, and he lost the support of many in his party.