He first ran for governor in 1812 but was defeated in the election by William C. C. Claiborne, but won in 1816, taking office the following year and serving through 1820.
He first ran for governor in 1812 but was defeated in the election by William C. C. Claiborne when the Creole vote was split between Villeré and Jean N. Destréhan. Villeré was elected Governor in 1816, taking office the following year and serving through 1820.