James S. Hogg
The federal government was not the only group of people working for reform in America’s government. Many state legislatures were working for change as well. One governor, James S. Hogg of Texas, took a stand for the benefit of the working class rather than himself. He was mostly known for his work to regulate the high rates of railroads. He worked to help establish a railroad commission which lowered the rates and helped production in Texas. The railroad commission knocked out major robber barons who had held a lot of power in the local and state governments so this was a good contribution to reforming politics in state governments.