Thomas Ford studied law and practiced in various Illinois towns, gaining legal expertise under notable figures. He served in multiple judicial roles, including state court judge and Supreme Court of Illinois justice. Ford's governorship was marked by financial reforms and infrastructure projects, though his handling of the Latter-day Saint conflict remains controversial. He authored a significant historical work on Illinois and left a legacy through the naming of Ford County.

Thomas Ford's political identity is marked by a complex blend of fiscal conservatism and limited intervention in social conflicts. His tenure as governor saw him tackle the state's financial crisis through debt reduction and tax increases, yet he simultaneously exhibited a hands-off approach during the Latter-day Saint expulsion, despite his personal disdain for the Church. Ford's judicial decisions, such as the land claim ruling upheld by the Supreme Court, reveal a legalistic, yet somewhat detached stance on broader social issues.