davis resigned from the army and married knoxy, as she was called. she died three months later of malaria. he was devastated by her death and retired to his plantation in mississippi. he spent eight years working on the plantation. also, developing a strong interest in politics. he started getting involved in mississippi politics, then entering the national stage. in 1845, he was elected to the u.s. house of representatives. the next year, the mexican war began. davis was conflicted, not about the war, he was supporting the war politically and present polk. he did not know if he should join the war or stay in congress. he decided to leave congress. he was elected colonel in a volunteer regiment. he left that regiment in combat in mexico. he saw battles and gained national fame due to his actions at one of the step -- at beuna vista. he came back a war hero. after his return, became a united states senator. an opening coincided with his triumphant return home propelled him into the national spotlight. he left the senate a few years later to make a run