On 17 November 1827 Cunin-Gridaine ran successfully for election as deputy in the first electoral district of the Ardennes (Mézières).

He joined the constitutionalist opposition, spoke in favor of press freedom and was a signatory of the Address of the 221.

He was named to the general council of the Ardennes and was appointed president of the commercial court of Sedan.

On 12 May 1837 he was named Minister of Commerce in the ministry of Jean-de-Dieu Soult, holding office until the cabinet fell on 29 February 1840.

He returned as Minister of Commerce on 29 October 1840 in the new Guizot cabinet, remaining in office until the February Revolution of 1848 overthrew the monarchy.