 Thibodaux was later elected Justice of the Peace and to the Territorial Legislature after the United States acquired and organized the Territory of Orleans.After Louisiana became a state, from 1812 to 1824, Thibodaux served as a State Senator representing Lafourche Parish and was elected as President of the Senate in 1824.When Governor Thomas B. Robertson resigned to accept an appointment as a Federal judge, Thibodaux succeeded him, serving as Acting Governor until Henry Johnson was elected.