David Daggett graduated with high honors from Yale College and earned a master's degree from the same institution. He was admitted to the bar of New Haven County and began a career in law and public service. Daggett held various positions in the Connecticut State House of Representatives, the Connecticut State Council, and as a U.S. Senator from Connecticut. He also served as State's Attorney for New Haven County and Mayor of New Haven. Daggett's legal expertise led him to roles as an associate judge and Chief Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court of Errors.

David Daggett's political identity is marked by an intriguing blend of anti-abolitionist and state-rights advocacy, coupled with surprising support for Black suffrage. His legislative record reveals an unexpected convergence with opposing factions on environmental regulations, suggesting a highly calculated approach to protecting regional industrial interests. Daggett's rhetorical style, as a formidable orator, further underscores his ability to navigate complex political landscapes with ideological agility.