in 1934, crawford was elected as a republican from michigan's 8th congressional district to the united states house of representatives, defeating incumbent democrat michael j. hart. crawford served in the 74th congress and the eight succeeding congresses, from january 3, 1935 to january 3, 1953. in 1952, he was defeated in the republican primary election by alvin m. bentley, who went on to win the general election.