Lindsay for Mayor

Blue text and a blue and white photograph of a man on a white background

This is a button from John Vilet Lindsay's 1965 New York City mayoral campaign. He ran as a liberal Republican and defeated New York City Comptroller Abraham Beame. Lindsay served to terms as mayor, from 1966-1973. Prior to serving as mayor, Lindsay was a congressman in the US House of Representatives. Despite being a Republican, he voted with Democrats on social and economic issues in congress.

Lindsay's time as mayor was marked with racial unrest, antiwar protests, municipal strikes, and other upheavals during the tumultuous 1960's and early 70's. He ran for President in 1972, but lost in the primary to George McGovern. Lindsay remained in the public eye after he left office by appearing on ABC's Good Morning America as a correspondent and publishing his novel, The Edge. 

The "La Guardia" mentioned on the button is most likely referring to another former New York City mayor, Fiorello LaGuardia. Like Lindsay, La Guardia was a Republican but worked well with the Democrats and was known for his support of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's programs. Lindsay often compared himself to La Guardia in his campaigns.