Unsuccessful in his 1866 gubernatorial bid, English was elected Connecticut's 26th governor on April 1, 1867,[4] serving from May 1, 1867, to May 5, 1869.

During his tenure, an argument between the railroad and shipping industries was settled with the approval for construction of two new bridges.

He was appointed as a Democrat to the U.S. Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Orris S. Ferry and served from November 27, 1875, to May 17, 1876, when a successor was elected.

[5] An unsuccessful candidate for election in 1876 to fill the vacancy, English resumed his manufacturing and commercial activities.

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