He served as a Republican in the United States House of Representatives from March 4,1887 to March 3, 1893. He served as a Democrat as the 14th Governor of Minnesota from January 2, 1899 to January 7, 1901. He also served in the US House of Representatives from March 4, 1903 to March 3, 1905 as a Democrat. When he was elected Governor of Minnesota, he was the first non Republican to hold that office in 40 years.