In 1912, the Progressive Party emerged, spearheaded by former President Theodore Roosevelt and progressive Republicans. The presidential election witnessed a significant contest, with Roosevelt running as the Progressive Party candidate, competing against Republican President William Howard Taft, Democratic Governor Woodrow Wilson, and Socialist Eugene Debs.

Despite not securing victory in the election, the Progressive Party achieved a remarkable feat, outperforming all other third parties in history. Interestingly, many of the reforms initially advocated by the Progressive Party found their way into the platforms of other political parties and subsequent presidential administrations. The impact of the Progressive Party's ideals continues to resonate, shaping and influencing various facets of modern politics.