From collection Candidates
Irene M. Smith was a Socialist candidate for Los Angeles City Council in 1915. Smith received over 7,000 votes, but did not win a seat. Four years later she ran for LA Mayor, again as a Socialist. Newspaper articles about her 1919 candidacy were dismissive, noting that she lived in a bungalo admidst flowers, plants, and pets. During her mayoral campaign Smith spoke for the working man and promised, if elected, to fund large public works efforts to create jobs. In this campaign, she received only 1,500 votes. Running again for City Council in 1929, Smith was endorsed by several unions, but still failed to win a seat.
