William Howard Taft's election as the 27th President of the United States on November 3, 1908, was a significant moment in early 20th-century American politics. Taft served as Secretary of War under President Theodore Roosevelt, who endorsed him as his successor. This endorsement helped Taft secure the Republican nomination, as the party was largely loyal to Roosevelt’s progressive policies. The campaign against Democratic challenger William Jennings Bryan was marked by a focus on issues that resonated with a growing middle class, including labor rights, tariffs, and corporate regulation. Voter turnout was robust, reflecting the public's engagement with the election process.Taft's victory was decisive, as he garnered 51% of the popular vote compared to Bryan's 43%. This election was also noteworthy for the significant role of third-party candidates, including the Socialist Party’s Eugene V. Debs, who, while not winning any electoral votes, demonstrated the rising influence of alternative political movements. The election also underscored the increasing polarization in American politics, which would ultimately influence the political landscape in the years to come as the Republican party faced its own internal divisions. Taft's presidency would later face challenges that stemmed from the expectations set by Roosevelt, leading to a split in the Republican Party.