In a move that adds a new chapter to his public political evolution, George Conway has officially filed paperwork to run for the United States Congress as a Democrat. Conway, who describes himself as a "recovering lawyer," is best known as a fierce critic of former President Donald Trump and as the ex-husband of former Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway.
Targeting a Vacant New York Seat
According to reports confirmed on Monday, Conway is seeking the House of Representatives seat for New York's 12th congressional district. The seat is being vacated by longtime Democratic Representative Jerry Nadler, who announced in September that he would not seek reelection after serving 17 terms representing Manhattan.
Conway's political journey is marked by a significant shift. He was once offered a position in Trump's first administration but ultimately became one of the former president's most vocal opponents. He leveraged his legal background and platform to co-found The Lincoln Project, a political action committee dedicated to opposing Trump's reelection.
A History of Vocal Opposition
Conway's anti-Trump stance has remained unwavering. Just last week, following Trump's controversial comments about the late director Rob Reiner, Conway took to social media to reiterate his long-held position. He wrote that Trump is "a very and truly sick man who should be in a mental or penal institution and certainly not the White House," noting he had been "beating this drum for over seven years now."
His personal life has also been intertwined with his political stance. Reports in March 2023 indicated that Conway and Kellyanne Conway were finalizing their divorce, with media outlets citing widening ideological differences as a key factor. Kellyanne Conway served as Trump's 2016 campaign manager and as a counselor in his White House.
A Crowded Democratic Primary Ahead
Conway will not have a clear path to the nomination. The Democratic primary is expected to be competitive. The most prominent name among his likely opponents is Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of former President John F. Kennedy. This sets the stage for a high-profile intraparty battle for the safe Democratic seat.
Conway's exploration of a candidacy was not sudden. Politico reported earlier that he had tested the campaign waters by hiring a Democratic pollster to assess the viability of a run. His formal filing now confirms his commitment to enter the political arena directly, transitioning from commentator and PAC co-founder to candidate.
The race for Nadler's seat will be closely watched as a bellwether for Democratic Party dynamics and the influence of anti-Trump Republicans who have realigned. Conway's candidacy promises to bring national attention and significant media scrutiny to the New York district.
