George Conway, a longtime conservative attorney who later became one of President Donald Trump’s most outspoken critics, has formally entered the race for Congress as a Democrat, launching a bid for a coveted Manhattan-based seat that is opening up after more than three decades of representation.
Conway, who was previously married to Kellyanne Conway the former Trump campaign manager and White House senior adviser filed paperwork on Monday to run in New York’s 12th Congressional District. The district, which includes parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn, is widely considered one of the safest Democratic seats in the country, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive primary contest rather than a general election battle.
The seat is becoming available following the retirement announcement of Rep. Jerry Nadler, a powerful and long-serving Democrat who has represented the district since 1992. Nadler confirmed earlier this year that he would not seek re-election, citing growing calls within the Democratic Party for generational change and fresh leadership.
A Crowded Democratic Primary Takes Shape
Conway’s entry adds yet another high-profile name to an already crowded Democratic primary field. More than a dozen potential candidates have either declared or signaled interest in the race, reflecting the political importance of the district and the rare opportunity created by Nadler’s departure.
Among the most prominent contenders is Jack Schlossberg, the 32-year-old grandson of President John F. Kennedy. Schlossberg’s candidacy has drawn national attention due to his family legacy and connections to one of America’s most famous political dynasties.
Other candidates include Cameron Kasky, a prominent gun-control activist and organizer with the March For Our Lives movement; New York State Assembly members Micah Lasher and Alex Bores; ABC News legal analyst Jami Floyd; and New York City Council member Erik Bottcher. With such a diverse slate of candidates, the primary is expected to be competitive, expensive, and closely watched both locally and nationally.
Conway officially registered a principal campaign committee with the Federal Election Commission, listing New York City as its base of operations. While a campaign website was included in the filing, it was not yet active as of Monday afternoon, and Conway had not publicly released a formal campaign announcement or policy platform.
From Conservative Legal Circles to Democratic Politics
George Conway’s political journey has been unconventional. Earlier in his career, he was firmly embedded in conservative legal circles and built a reputation as a skilled litigator. He gained national recognition in the 1990s for his involvement in the Paula Jones lawsuit against then-President Bill Clinton, a case that ultimately played a role in Clinton’s impeachment.
Conway was also a longtime member of the Federalist Society, a conservative legal organization that has played a significant role in shaping Republican judicial philosophy and influencing judicial nominations for decades. For years, Conway was viewed as a reliable conservative voice in legal and political debates.
That image began to change dramatically during the Trump era.
A Vocal and Relentless Trump Critic
Despite his conservative roots and even as his wife served in senior roles within the Trump administration Conway emerged as one of the most persistent and publicly visible critics of Donald Trump. Through social media posts, television appearances, and opinion pieces, Conway regularly challenged Trump’s rhetoric, conduct, and understanding of the law.
His outspoken criticism often created a striking contrast within his own household, as Kellyanne Conway served as one of Trump’s closest advisers and most prominent public defenders. The dynamic drew intense media attention and became a symbol of the deep political divides that defined the Trump presidency.
In 2019, Conway helped found the Lincoln Project, a group of Republican strategists and operatives dedicated to opposing Trump and Trump-aligned candidates. The organization became known for its sharp-edged political advertisements and messaging aimed at persuading moderate Republicans and independents to reject Trumpism.
Conway’s participation in the Lincoln Project further solidified his transformation from conservative insider to anti-Trump crusader, even as many Republicans criticized the group as disloyal to the party.
Personal Changes and Political Realignment
In March 2023, George and Kellyanne Conway announced their divorce, formally ending a marriage that had been under intense public scrutiny for years. While both parties emphasized their shared commitment to co-parenting their children, the split marked the conclusion of one of the most politically notable marriages of the Trump era.
Since then, Conway has continued to align himself more openly with Democratic causes and candidates, frequently appearing on cable news programs to analyze Trump’s legal troubles and criticize the broader direction of the Republican Party.
His decision to run as a Democrat represents a significant shift, though one that reflects broader realignments within American politics, particularly among voters and professionals who once identified as conservative but broke sharply with Trump’s leadership.
The Political Landscape of New York’s 12th District
New York’s 12th Congressional District is one of the most liberal districts in the nation, making the Democratic primary the decisive contest. The district has long been represented by progressive Democrats and includes some of the most politically engaged voters in the country.
Candidates running in the district typically emphasize issues such as housing affordability, climate change, public transportation, reproductive rights, and protecting democratic institutions. While Conway has not yet detailed his policy priorities, his legal background and long-running opposition to Trump suggest that issues related to the rule of law, constitutional governance, and democratic norms could feature prominently in his campaign.
Unanswered Questions and What Comes Next
As of now, Conway has not responded publicly to requests for comment regarding his candidacy, nor has he outlined how he plans to distinguish himself from a field that includes younger candidates, progressive activists, and political heirs.
Questions remain about how Democratic primary voters will receive Conway, given his conservative past and high-profile association with Republican politics. At the same time, his national name recognition, legal expertise, and role in opposing Trump could appeal to voters who prioritize experience and institutional knowledge.
With months to go before primary voters cast their ballots, the race is expected to evolve rapidly. Fundraising, endorsements, and early messaging will likely play a critical role in shaping the field and determining whether Conway can successfully complete his transformation from conservative lawyer to Democratic member of Congress.