George Conway Takes a Political Leap: A Conservative Turned Democrat
On Monday, George Conway, a conservative attorney known for his outspoken criticism of President Donald Trump, officially entered the political arena by filing to run as a Democrat for the seat being vacated by Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.).
Rumors of Conway’s political aspirations began circulating last month, particularly after he confirmed hiring a Democratic pollster to assess his chances in the race.
Conway is perhaps best known not only for his legal background but also for his former marriage to Kellyanne Conway, who played a pivotal role in Trump’s 2016 campaign and later served in his administration. The irony here is palpable: a lawyer who once had a front-row seat to the Trump presidency now seeks to oppose its legacy.
Despite being offered a position within the Trump administration during its inaugural term, Conway declined, leading to a public and increasingly strained relationship with the president. This feud was marked by Conway’s sharp criticisms of Trump, to which the president retorted with personal attacks on their marriage—calling Conway a “stone cold LOSER & husband from hell,” while Conway labeled Trump a “fascist.” Their exchanges provide a reality TV-like backdrop to their political drama, highlighting the often personal nature of political conflict.
Conway’s political activism took a more organized form when he co-founded The Lincoln Project, a political action committee composed of former Republicans dedicated to defeating Trump and his allies. His continued critiques of the former president indicate a clear shift from conservative loyalty to an anti-Trump stance, raising questions about ideological authenticity in the political landscape.
Conway’s announcement to run coincides with Councilmember Erik Bottcher’s decision to withdraw from the House race, opting instead to pursue a seat in the New York State Senate. Nevertheless, Conway will step into an increasingly competitive primary for Nadler’s seat, joining a field of at least nine candidates. Notably, among these contenders is Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of John F. Kennedy, alongside other hopefuls such as March for Our Lives organizer Cameron Kasky and Assembly members Alex Bores and Micah Lasher.
As the race heats up, it will be fascinating to observe whether Conway’s unique background and his contentious history with Trump will resonate with Democratic voters. The outcome could serve as an intriguing case study in the evolving dynamics of party affiliation and personal conviction in American politics.
