Samuel J. Tilden was an American politician and lawyer born on February 9, 1814, in New Lebanon, New York. He is best known for his role as the Democratic candidate in the controversial 1876 presidential election against Rutherford B. Hayes. Tilden won the popular vote but lost the presidency due to a disputed electoral count. Tilden served as the Governor of New York from 1875 to 1876, where he focused on political reform and combating corruption. His efforts in the election led to the establishment of the Electoral Commission, which aimed to resolve the electoral disputes that arose during that time.