Dorsey served as a private in Headquarters Company, One Hundred and Fifty-ninth Depot Brigade, in 1918; executive Democratic committeeman 1920–1924; city attorney of Henderson in 1926 and 1930. He was elected as a Democrat to the Seventy-first Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of David H. Kincheloe and served from November 4, 1930, to March 3, 1931. He was not a candidate for election to the Seventy-second Congress in 1930, and resumed the practice of law. He again served as city attorney of Henderson in 1936 and 1937, and continued the practice of law until his death in Henderson, Kentucky, March 22, 1960. He is interred in Fernwood Cemetery.