Thomas McEwing Duncan (March 5, 1893 – February 22, 1959) was an American Socialist from Milwaukee who served three terms as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly (1923–1928) and one term (1929–1932) as a member of the Wisconsin State Senate representing the Milwaukee-based 6th Senate district.[1]
Duncan was born in Wisconsin on March 5, 1893 and was educated in the Milwaukee Public Schools. He graduated from Yale University in 1915. After graduation he was employed in the bond department of the First Wisonsin Trust Company, and later in the consolidated bond department of the First Wisconsin National Bank.[2] He served as Secretary to Milwaukee Mayor Daniel Hoan from April 1920 to January 1, 1925, and as a member of the Milwaukee Firemen's and Policemen's Pension Commission.
He was first elected to the Assembly in November 1922 without opposition to succeed fellow Socialist Fred Hasley.[3] to represent the Fourth Milwaukee County Assembly district (the 21st ward of the City of Milwaukee).
He was considered less doctrinaire than Congressman Victor Berger, and at one time was discussed as a potential progressive candidate for Governor of Wisconsin under some form of Progressive/Socialist fusion ticket.[4]
Duncan was responsible for the 1930 introduction and passage of the partial veto into the Wisconsin state constitution, considered "the most extensive" veto power that has been "given to any state executive."[5]