Controversy in election to the House of Representatives
In 1892, as the candidate for the Democratic Party, Richardson won a close election for U.S. Representative from Michigan's 5th congressional district. Richardson won the November 8, 1892, general election by a plurality of 10 votes and received a certificate of election from the board of state canvassers. The defeated candidate, incumbent RepublicanCharles E. Belknap, requested a recount in Ionia County, alleging irregularities. The Michigan Supreme Court ordered a recount on February 3, 1893, which subsequently resulted in a plurality of 19 votes for Belknap. The new board of state canvassers then issued a certificate of election to Belknap. The contest was brought to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on August 8, 1893. Following debate on the validity of the contestants’ credentials, the House voted to seat Richardson, referring the matter to the House Committee on Elections. Following further examination, the committee issued a report upholding Richardson’s claim to the seat. Richardson served in the 53rd Congress from March 4, 1893, to March 3, 1895. He declined to be a candidate for re-nomination in 1894.
Career after politics
Richardson then began operating a dairy farm in Grand Rapids. He was an unsuccessful Democratic candidate for the Michigan Senate 16th District in 1896, and was secretary of Michigan Union Silver Party in 1899. He moved to Kennewick, Washington, in 1904 and engaged in agricultural pursuits and in the transfer, livery, and fuel business his company named Kennewick Transfer & Storage was located at 112 W Kennewick Ave. He was twice elected mayor of Kennewick and also served as chairman of the school board. He moved to Ellensburg, Washington, and in 1916 engaged in agricultural pursuits.
Retirement and death
George F. Richardson retired to private life in 1919 and made his home in Bellevue, Washington, where he died. He is interred in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Ellensburg.
