He subsequently practiced law in Kentucky until moving to Sacramento, California in February 1852, where he became a frequent candidate for local office.

In 1858, he lost the nomination of the Anti-Lecompton Whig Party for the California Supreme Court.

[4] He was a Union Party candidate for the California State Assembly in 1860, but withdrew prior to the election.

[6] In 1862, he was one of three Union Party nominees for the position of City Levee Commissioner in Sacramento.

[9] Beatty moved to Virginia City, Nevada, in 1863,[3] and was a Union Party candidate for District Judge of Storey County in 1864.