Rider was elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Maidstone, Kent at a contested by-election on 30 June 1716. He voted generally with the Administration, although he opposed the Peerage Bill. He lost his seat at the 1722 general election but was re-elected for Maidstone at a by-election on 1 June 1723. He lost his seat again at the 1727 general election. He petitioned but died before his petition was dealt with.[3]
Rider died on 21 November 1728 leaving two sons and two daughters. He was succeeded by his son, Sir Thomas Rider.[4]