[2] He represents the electoral district of Conception Bay South as a member of the Progressive Conservative Party.
He served on the NL Association of Social Workers and the Municipal Appeals Board.
In 2018, Petten endorsed Ches Crosbie in the 2018 provincial PC leadership race.
[4][5] Petten supported Tony Wakeham in the 2023 provincial PC party leadership race.
As of September 29, 2024, Petten serves as the Official Opposition House Leader and critic for the Management Commission, Health, Infrastructure, and the Public Procurement Agency.