The Enduring Legacy of Frances Perkins

How the first female Cabinet member fought for workers' rights and the social safety net

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

This opinion piece argues that the Democratic Party needs to return to the vision of leaders like Frances Perkins, the first female Cabinet member who served as Secretary of Labor under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Perkins was the architect of the New Deal, which established landmark policies like Social Security, the minimum wage, and protections for workers' unions. The author contends that the modern Democratic Party has strayed too far from its roots of fighting for the working class, and that leaders like Perkins who prioritized the collective good are sorely needed today.

Why it matters

The article highlights how Perkins' progressive policies and advocacy for workers' rights had a transformative impact on American society, and that the Democratic Party has lost its way in abandoning those core principles. It argues that the country would benefit from a return to Perkins' brand of visionary leadership focused on improving the lives of everyday people.

The details

Perkins was the first woman to serve in a U.S. presidential cabinet, acting as Secretary of Labor under Franklin D. Roosevelt. She was the driving force behind many of the landmark New Deal policies, including the Social Security Act, minimum wage, child labor bans, and protections for workers' unionization. The author contrasts Perkins' commitment to the working class with the current Democratic leadership, which they argue has become beholden to corporate interests and billionaire donors at the expense of everyday Americans.

  • Perkins served as Secretary of Labor from 1933 to 1945 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
  • This opinion piece was published on March 13, 2026, during Women's History Month.

The players

Frances Perkins

The first female U.S. Cabinet member, who served as Secretary of Labor under President Franklin D. Roosevelt and was the architect of the New Deal's landmark worker protections and social safety net policies.

Chuck Schumer

A Democratic senator who the author argues has strayed from the party's working-class roots by accepting campaign donations from corporate interests.

Hakeem Jeffries

A Democratic congressman who the author says has also prioritized the demands of wealthy donors over the interests of workers.

Joe Manchin

A Democratic-turned-independent senator from West Virginia who the author criticizes for accepting campaign contributions from oil companies and opposing President Biden's Build Back Better Act.

Zohran Mamdani

The New York City mayor who the author cites as an example of the type of progressive, worker-focused leader the Democratic Party needs more of.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The people are what matter to government … and a government should aim to give all the people under its jurisdiction the best possible life.”

— Frances Perkins

The takeaway

This article argues that the Democratic Party must return to the vision of leaders like Frances Perkins, who fought tirelessly to establish a robust social safety net and protect the rights of workers. It suggests that the party has strayed too far from those core principles, to the detriment of everyday Americans, and that visionary, worker-focused leaders in the mold of Perkins are sorely needed today.