 In 1874, voters from Georgia's 5th congressional district elected Candler to the United States House of Representatives, defeating Republican James C. Freeman.Candler won re-election in 1876, but ultimately withdrew from the 1878 race and was succeeded by fellow ex-Confederate, and former state attorney general Nathaniel Job Hammond.Candler returned to his law practice in Decatur, and continued his political involvement, but less directly.