He graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and then taught school.
In 1873, the Republican nomination for state senator from the 23rd District (comprising Schoharie, Delaware and Chenango counties) was disputed by one candidate from each of the three counties, and Thompson was nominated on the 143rd ballot.
He was elected by a majority of a single vote, and was a member of the New York State Senate (23rd D.) in 1874 and 1875.
His election was unsuccessfully contested by his Democratic opponent William Yeomans Jr.
This article about a member of the New York State Senate is a stub.