Throughout 1825 Helm made speeches and distributed pamphlets in Hardin and surrounding counties, espousing the Old Court position.[12] In 1826 he campaigned as a Whig for a seat in the Kentucky House of Representatives.[14] Helm won the election, and at the age of twenty-four became one of the youngest members to serve in the Kentucky General Assembly.[9] An Old Court majority was elected to both houses of the General Assembly in 1826, which then passed legislation abolishing the New Court.[15]