winning the 1827 gubernatorial nomination, tomlinson was elected connecticut's eighth governor. he was reelected to the governor's office in 1828, 1829, and 1830. during his tenure, prison reform was accomplished in 1827 with the opening of a more civilized penitentiary. his administration advocated educational improvements and fiscal support to the public school system. on march 2, 1831, tomlinson resigned from office to accept an appointment to the u.s. senate.