By early 1835, he moved the Mexican Texas, settling in the local district of Mina while studying law.

After independence had been won, Pease was named the comptroller of public accounts in the government of the new but temporary Republic of Texas.

In 1849, he ran for the Texas Senate from District 11 (Brazoria and Galveston counties) but lost to John B. Jones who was sworn in on November 5, 1849.

Pease contested the election, was declared the winner, and was sworn in four days later on November 9, 1849.

After the war, he became a leader in the state Republican Party and was appointed as the civilian governor of Texas in 1867 by General Philip H. Sheridan, who was the military head of the Reconstruction government.