Ernest Cady served in the U.S. Navy during the Civil War, participating in the Battle of Mobile Bay. Post-war, he became a prominent manufacturer and capitalist, leading Pratt & Cady Company. He held the office of Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut from 1893 to 1895, where he was noted for his dignified and successful tenure. Cady also served as Water Commissioner in Hartford and was influential in the Hartford Board of Trade. He was a trustee of the Society for Savings and held various other leadership roles in business and education.

Ernest Cady's political identity is marked by a blend of military service and industrial leadership, which informs his approach to governance. His tenure as Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut, where he earned respect across party lines, suggests an ideologically agile strategy. Cady's unexpected convergence with opposing factions on certain issues indicates a highly localized approach, balancing regional industrial interests with broader governance. His post-war career as a prominent manufacturer further underscores a disruption-oriented philosophy, leveraging business acumen into political strategy. This unique combination of military, industrial, and political experiences sets Cady apart as a candidate with a distinctive, multifaceted approach to leadership.