Cristman was a Republican member of the New York State Assembly (Herkimer Co.) in 1914.

He was a member of the New York State Senate (32nd D.) in 1915 and 1916; and was Chairman of the Committee on Privileges and Elections.

He polled about 232,000 votes, and thus spoiled the re-election of the "wet" Republican incumbent James W. Wadsworth, Jr. who had openly and forcefully opposed Prohibition.

Wadsworth was defeated by Democrat Robert F. Wagner with a plurality of about 116,000 votes.

Cristman died on August 3, 1942, in Herkimer, New York; and was buried at the Oak Hill Cemetery there.