Alfred E. Smith

Alfred E. Smith was an influential American politician and statesman who served as the 42nd Governor of New York from 1919 to 1928. Known for his progressive reforms, he focused on improving working conditions, public health, and education. Smith was the first Roman Catholic to be a major party’s nominee for President in 1928, representing the Democratic Party, though he lost to Herbert Hoover. His leadership helped modernize New York State government and he was widely respected for his advocacy for the poor and working class. Smith's career also marked a shift toward greater involvement of urban and Catholic voters in American politics.