During that time Cresta worked as a Legislative Aide to State Senator Richard Tisei.

[citation needed] In 1994 he was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, defeating fellow Selectman Peter Melanson.

The district comprised the entire towns of Wakefield and Middleton, as well as 3 of the 4 precincts in Lynnfield.

In 1996 Cresta won re-election with 63% of the vote, defeating Thomas Markham, III.

[citation needed] In 2001 Cresta resigned from the House of Representatives to accept an appointment by President George W. Bush at the United States Department of Health and Human Services.