Inspirational Quotes by Margaret Chase Smith (American Politician)

Margaret Chase Smith (1897–1995) was an American politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Maine for 24 years, becoming the first woman to hold office in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Born in Skowhegan, Maine, she worked as a teacher and stenographer before marrying U.S. Congressman Clyde Smith. After his death in 1940, she won his congressional seat, becoming Maine’s first female representative. In 1948, she was elected to the Senate, earning recognition for her independence and commitment to national defense and civil liberties.

In 1950, she delivered the Declaration of Conscience, boldly opposing Senator Joseph McCarthy’s anti-communist tactics. A strong advocate for women’s rights, she authored the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act (1948,) which enabled women to serve as permanent members of the U.S. military. Throughout her career, Smith championed integrity in governance, shaping discussions on civil liberties and the role of women in public service.

Smith authored Declaration of Conscience (1972,) reflecting on her political career and principles. Biographies include Patricia Ward Wallace’s Politics of Conscience: A Biography of Margaret Chase Smith (1995,) Ruby Shamir’s She Persisted: Margaret Chase Smith (2021,) and Lynn Plourde’s Margaret Chase Smith: A Woman for President (2008.)

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