Governor Sulzer Impeached

William Sulzer

William "Plain Bill" Sulzer (1863–1941) served in the State Assembly and for eight terms in the United States House of Representatives. In 1913 he became the 39th governor of New York State.

Sulzer was elected governor in November of 1912 with the support of Tammany Hall. However, shortly after being sworn in as governor on January 1, 1913, Sulzer angered Tammany's leader, Charles F. Murphy, when he distanced himself from Tammany's influence and supported primary elections. With Tammany's encouragement, the State Assembly voted to impeach Sulzer.

Sulzer was convicted by a special court and removed from office on October 17, 1913. As a result, the lieutenant governor, Martin H. Glynn, became governor. Sulzer returned to New York City, but a month later was again elected to the State Assembly.