A President from the great state of New York serving one of his two nonconsecutive terms in the White House. A precocious political talent running for Mayor of New York City. Progressive ideas about taxation motivating the support of voters. A well-connected, well-funded candidate trying to consolidate support in a crowded, three-way race. Rumors of a job in Washington, DC being dangled in exchange for an exit.
The year, of course, is 2025. But it was also 1886, when, during Grover Cleveland’s first term, William Grace, the first Irish-Catholic elected mayor of New York City, did not run for reelection. Running to replace Grace were Republican Teddy Roosevelt, then only 28 years old, Democrat Abram Hewitt, and Henry George of the short-lived United Labor Party.
Read the rest on Irish Echo: https://www.irishecho.com/2025/10/on-using-and-not-abusing-history