 He then moved to Georgetown, Delaware in 1839 and commenced the practice of law.Houston was Secretary of State of Delaware from 1841 to 1844, and was elected as a Whig to the 29th, 30th, and 31st Congress, serving from March 4, 1845 to March 3, 1851.While in the House he was chairman of the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds for the 30th Congress.