 A Republican, Hoskins served as United States Representative from March 4, 1873 – March 3, 1875 for the 30th District of New York; and from March 4, 1875 – March 3, 1877 for the 31st District of New York.He was Lieutenant Governor of New York from 1880 to 1882, elected at the New York state election, 1879.Hoskins died in Attica, New York on June 12, 1893 (age 68 years, 170 days).