Caldwell began his career representing North Carolinians in 1836 when he was elected to the North Carolina House of Commons. Caldwell stayed in this deleted position until 1841 when he was elected to the 27th U.S. Congress as a member of the Democratic Party. Caldwell remained a representative until 1843, serving a single term. He was not a candidate for renomination. The following year in 1844, Caldwell was appointed as Superintendent of the United States Mint in Charlotte.
