[4] A Democrat, Schmedeman ran for a seat in the United States House of Representatives in 1910, but lost to John M. Nelson.

During that time, Schmedeman accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of President Woodrow Wilson in 1919,[5] and was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of St. Olaf in 1921 by Haakon VII.

[6] After concluding his service as Minister to Norway, Schmedeman planned to retire from politics, but was, instead, elected mayor of Madison, serving from 1926 to 1932.

In 1934, while attending the dedication for Rib Mountain State Park and campaigning for a second term, Schmedeman slipped on some loose rock and injured his foot.

[3][7][8] After his service as governor concluded, Schmedeman went on to be named Federal Housing Administrator for Wisconsin by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a post that he held from 1935 until 1942.