After completing his studies, he was admitted to the bar and opened a law practice in Louisville, Kentucky.
[1][citation needed] Breckinridge served as member of the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1809 to 1811.
He was appointed judge by Governor Joseph Desha in April 1826, but declined to serve.
[1] Breckinridge was elected as a Democratic-Republican to the 17th Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of United States Representative Wingfield Bullock (November 21, 1821 – March 3, 1823).
Her brother was Peter W. Grayson, a politician in the Republic of Texas.