Elected (4 September 1792) to the Convention (1792–1795) as a deputy for Bas-Rhin, he presided at the first session of the Convention as the oldest deputy present (20 September 1792). He continued to ally himself with the more radical section of deputies, joining the Montagnard faction. However, he was absent from the Convention during the trial of King Louis XVI. He would go on to serve a full term as President of the Convention from 6 March 1794 until 21 March 1794.