The first woman to enter a U.S. presidential election was Victoria Woodhull, who ran in 1872. Woodhull was a suffragist, activist, and social reformer who advocated for women's rights and free love. Although her candidacy was not officially recognized and she did not campaign actively, her declaration challenged the norms of her time. Woodhull's bold move contributed to the women's suffrage movement and highlighted the ongoing struggles for gender equality in American politics.