Enrique Balmaceda started his political career by joining the Liberal Democratic Party and was promptly elected deputy for "Itata" (1906-1909) in a 1907 by-election to replace deputy Alberto Sanfuentes who had died, but lost his bid for reelection. On the congressional elections of 1918 he was elected deputy for "Castro" (1918-1921) and was reelected for the same region (1921-1924). On May 12, 1921, President Arturo Alessandri appointed him Minister of War and Navy, position he held until August 16, 1921.
During the first administration of President Carlos Ibáñez he was appointed Minister of the Interior from May 23, 1927 to February 24, 1928; while concurrently serving as interim Minister of Public Works and of Justice. During the second administration of President Ibáñez, he was appointed Ambassador to the UK. Balmaceda died in Santiago, in 1962, at the age of 81.
