Garret Hobart was the rare vice president who acted as an assistant president

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Before the 25th Amendment, a vice presidential vacancy remained unfilled. When Garret Hobart died in 1899, the office sat empty for the remainder of William McKinley's term. Yet, during his brief tenure, Hobart transformed the role from a ceremonial post into a powerful position of influence within the administration.

Garret Augustus Hobart, a wealthy New Jersey corporate lawyer and former state senate president, was elected vice president in 1896. Unlike his predecessors, who were often relegated to the sidelines, Hobart became a trusted advisor to President William McKinley. His tact and political acumen were so highly regarded that he earned the moniker assistant president. He frequently hosted the McKinleys at his home, known as the Cream White House, and even managed sensitive personnel issues, such as securing the resignation of Secretary of War Russell Alger in 1899.

Hobart’s influence extended into the legislative arena. Drawing on his experience leading the New Jersey legislature, he broke with tradition by actively ruling on Senate disputes rather than deferring to floor votes. He was instrumental in guiding the administration's agenda, including securing the ratification of the Treaty of Paris following the Spanish-American War. His only tie-breaking vote as president of the Senate was used to defeat an amendment that would have promised self-government to the Philippines, a move that underscored his alignment with the McKinley administration's expansionist goals.

Despite his success, Hobart remained a businessman at heart, maintaining ties to numerous corporations throughout his vice presidency. He served as an arbiter for the Joint Traffic Association until 1897 and faced public scrutiny regarding his investments in the Ramapo Water Company. His death from heart disease at age 55 in November 1899 left a void in the executive branch that could not be constitutionally filled at the time. His legacy remains that of a unique figure who proved the vice presidency could be a vital, active component of the federal government.

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