William McCombs | |
|---|---|
.jpg) McCombs in 1917 | |
| Chair of theDemocratic National Committee | |
| In office July 15, 1912 – June 15, 1916 | |
| Preceded by | Norman E. Mack |
| Succeeded by | Vance C. McCormick |
| Personal details | |
| Born | William Frank McCombs (1876-12-26)December 26, 1876 Hamburg, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Died | February 22, 1921(1921-02-22) (aged 44) Greenwich, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Princeton University (BA) Harvard University (LLB) |
William Frank McCombs (December 26, 1876 – February 22, 1921) was an American lawyer and politician who served as chair of theDemocratic National Committee from 1912 to 1916.
McCombs was born on December 26, 1876, inHamburg, Arkansas. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree fromPrinceton University in 1898 and a Bachelor of Laws fromHarvard Law School in 1901.[1]
McCombs was associated with the law firm of McCombs & Ryan inNew York City. McCombs also worked as an advisor toWoodrow Wilson during the1910 New Jersey gubernatorial election later managed Wilson's successful campaign during the1912 Democratic Party presidential primaries.[2] Once nominated, Wilson made him chairman of theDemocratic National Committee and essentially his "campaign manager." In 1913, McCombs was offered the position ofUnited States ambassador to France, but turned it down for financial reasons.[3][4]
McCombs came to oppose Wilson's leadership style and use of power, criticizing him asautocratic.[5] McCombs was also displeased at Wilson for refusing to offer him aCabinet position.[6]
McCombs was the Democratic nominee in the1916 United States Senate election in New York but was defeated by RepublicanWilliam M. Calder.
In poor health, McCombs died inGreenwich, Connecticut, on February 22, 1921, leaving behind an incomplete memoir, which was published asMaking Woodrow Wilson President.[7] He was buried at Roselawn Cemetery inLittle Rock, Arkansas.
| Party political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Chair of theDemocratic National Committee 1912–1916 | Succeeded by |
| First | Democratic nominee forU.S. Senator fromNew York (Class 1) 1916 | Succeeded by |
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |
