Shichinohe began as one of a series of numbered fortified settlements established by the Nanbu clan in the early Kamakura period to control their new territories in Nukada District of northern Ōshū.

During the post-Meiji restoration establishment of the modern municipalities system on 1 April 1889, Shichinohe Village was incorporated.

[4] Shichinobe has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral town council of 16 members.

Shichinohe is part of Kamikita District, which contributes four members to the Aomori Prefectural Assembly.

In terms of national politics, the town is part of Aomori 2nd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.