In 1849, he was elected to the Delaware House of Representatives, returning to private practice in Wilmington the following year.

In 1861, he was named United States Attorney for the District of Delaware, a post that he held until 1866.

The following day, Bradford was confirmed by the United States Senate and received his commission.

[citation needed] Their son, Edward Green Bradford II, also became both a Delaware State Representative and federal judge.

[citation needed] Their daughter, Elizabeth Canby Bradford, married Alexis Irénée du Pont Jr.