Candler attended common schools in Mississippi, including Iuka Male Academy.

Candler served as chairman of the Democratic executive committee of Tishomingo County in 1884.

Candler also served as chairman of the Democratic executive committee of Alcorn County for several years.

While in the 62nd United States Congress, Candler served as chairman of the Committee on Alcoholic Liquor Traffic.

Candler was an unsuccessful candidate for renomination in 1920, losing the Democratic primary to John E. Rankin.

[5] This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress