In 1884, Sutton was again a candidate for alderman, and lost to Republican J. W. Goodell, 235 to 214. In March 1886, he was elected again to the board of aldermen, receiving 292 votes to 191 for J. W. Goodell. In September 1886, Sutton was an unsuccessful candidate for the Vermont Senate, placing fourth in the race for three at-large seats.
