14. Theodore Roosevelt (1912, Progressive ‘Bull Moose’ Party)
In 1912, former President Theodore Roosevelt broke from the Republican Party to run as the Progressive Party’s candidate, commonly known as the “Bull Moose” Party. His candidacy introduced progressive reforms such as women’s suffrage, labor rights, and social welfare programs into the national conversation. By splitting the Republican vote, Roosevelt’s campaign facilitated Democrat Woodrow Wilson’s victory. His third-party run significantly altered the two-party dynamic, demonstrating the potential impact of alternative political movements on American politics (nps.gov).
