Allan Louis Benson (November 6, 1871–August 19, 1940) was an American newspaper editor and author who ran for President as the Socialist Party of America candidate in 1916. Benson was born in Plainfield, Michigan in 1871. He was at times managing editor of the Detroit Journal, the Detroit Times, and the Washington Times. He married Mary Hugh in Windsor, Ontario on November 19, 1899 and had four children. Benson wrote several books and notable political pamphlets: Benson died in Yonkers, New York, on August 19, 1940.