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Margaret Chase Smith was born on December 14, 1897 in Skowhegan, Maine. Margaret was the first woman to serve in both houses of the United States Congress. She was also the first woman to represent Maine in the United States Senate and House of Representatives. Margaret was also one of the first to criticize Joseph McCarthy for his tactics in her “Declaration of Conscience” speech.
In 1936, Margaret’s husband, Clyde Smith was elected to the House of Representatives. Margaret served as his secretary. Clyde died in 1940 and she succeeded her husband. Margaret Chase Smith served four terms in the House, she won the election to the U.S. Senate in 1948. As a result of her Senate win, Margaret became the first woman to be elected in both Houses of Congress.
In 1964, Senator Margaret Chase Smith ran in the Republican presidential primary. She took her candidacy all the way to the Republican National Convention. Margaret became the first woman, Republican or Democrat to have her name placed for nomination of the President of the United States.
Senator Smith lost her senatorial re-election bid in 1972. She retired to her home in Skowhegan, Maine. Margaret Chase Smith died on Memorial Day, May 29, 1995 at 97 years old.
Senator Margaret Chase Smith was a trailblazer before her time. She stood up for her beliefs and did what she thought was right. Senator Smith paved the way for other Republican women to be successful in politics.
Will you be the next Senator Margaret Chase Smith?