Alfred E. Smith was an American politician who served as the Governor of New York from 1923 to 1928. He was a member of the Democratic Party and was known for his progressive policies, including support for labor rights and social welfare programs. Smith was the first Roman Catholic to be nominated for president by a major party when he ran in the 1928 election. Despite his popularity, Smith lost the election to Herbert Hoover, largely due to the economic concerns of the time and his religious background. After his presidential run, he continued to be active in politics and public service, influencing future generations of leaders.