Governor Edward Byllynge in 1682 appointed Jennings to the position of deputy-governor of West Jersey.
At the instigation of William Penn, Jennings allowed himself to be popularly elected as governor, causing a falling-out with Byllynge, who believed this to be an illegal usurpation of his authority.
[1] Jennings later became involved in the controversy started by George Keith and Thomas Budd, siding with the Quakers.
This reorganization and the period leading up to it saw many New Jersey politicians jockeying for power and influence in the new government.
[3] After leaving the council, Jennings was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly for the City of Burlington, and served as Speaker during 1707.