In 2008, Bradford was an unsuccessful Democratic Party candidate for District Attorney of Harris County, Texas.
Also, he is a graduate of the FBI Academy and Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government Program for State and Local Executives.
In January 2012, members of the Houston City Council elected Bradford as vice mayor pro-tem via unanimous vote.
Bradford’s civic activities include serving as a precinct chair, election judge, and deputy voter registrar in Harris County, Texas.
He holds memberships and volunteers in numerous community activities, including the ENRICH After-School (Evaluating the Out-of-School-Time Needs, Resources and Initiatives in the Communities of Houston) Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Education Foundation of Harris County, American Education Technologies Youth Counselor, Grambling State University's Criminal Justice Advisory Board, Wiley College Criminal Justice Institute, DeVry University Industry Advisory Board, 100 Club, Harris County Constable Precinct 7 Advisory Board and frequently serves as a university guest lecturer, crime prevention and safety awareness speaker.