 In 1892, as the candidate for the Democratic Party, Richardson won a close election for U.S. Representative from Michigan's 5th congressional district.Richardson won the November 8, 1892, general election by a plurality of 10 votes and received a certificate of election from the board of state canvassers.The defeated candidate, incumbent Republican Charles E. Belknap, requested a recount in Ionia County, alleging irregularities.