William Karlin

William Karlin was a Jewish-American labor leader and politician from New York.

Life

He was born in the Russian Empire, the son of Samuel Karlin and Rose Karlin. The family emigrated to the United States, and settled in New York City. He attended the public schools and was licensed as a pharmacist in 1901. He studied law at New York University School of Law from 1906 to 1908, was admitted to the bar, and practiced in New York City.
Karlin joined the Socialist Party of America in 1912 and became a candidate for the New York State Assembly that same year.
On November 10, 1917, he married Ida Beck.
In 1918 Karlin won election to the 141st New York State Legislature as a Socialist from the 4th Assembly District, serving a two year term.
In 1920, he appeared as counsel for the five suspended Socialist members of the 143rd New York State Legislature during their trial for fitness to take their seats, which ended with their expulsion.
In 1922, Karlin ran for Congress in the 20th District, but was defeated by Republican Fiorello La Guardia.
Karlin ran unsuccessfully on the Socialist ticket for New York Attorney General at the state elections in 1928, 1930, 1932 and 1934.
In 1936, he left the Socialist Party and joined the Social Democratic Federation. He was later involved with the American Labor Party and the Liberal Party of New York.
He died at Beth David Hospital on December 6, 1944.