George Conway Announces Candidacy for U.S. House Seat in New York City
NEW YORK - George Conway, a former attorney and a notable critic of former President Donald Trump, revealed on Tuesday that he is entering the race for a U.S. House seat in New York City. His announcement comes as he seeks to leverage his substantial social media following into electoral support amid a competitive Democratic primary.
Once married to Kellyanne Conway, a prominent advisor to Trump, George Conway has become a vocal opponent of the former president. He spent many years practicing law in New York City before relocating to Bethesda, Maryland. His decision to run was inspired by a discussion with a friend who expressed frustration with some Democrats' votes, particularly regarding the decision to end last year’s government shutdown. Rather than challenge Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, whom he greatly admires, Conway considered running for a soon-to-be-vacant seat in Manhattan following Rep. Jerry Nadler's retirement.
After doing some research, Conway discovered that the district was familiar territory for him, motivating him further to explore this candidacy. “It was like, huh, it’s an open seat. This isn’t crazy. I should think about this,” he mentioned during an interview. He made the move back to Manhattan just weeks ago in preparation for his campaign.
Conway's entry occurs in a crowded field of Democratic candidates vying for Nadler's seat. Notable contenders include Micah Lasher, a state lawmaker and Nadler protégé; Cameron Kasky, a school shooting survivor and advocate; and Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of President John F. Kennedy.
In his campaign launch video, Conway, 62, presented himself as an experienced anti-Trump voice, emphasizing how his legal background equips him for a continued fight against Trump from Congress. “This is no ordinary time. And I will not be an ordinary member of Congress," he asserted. He clarified that while he does not intend to be a career politician, he feels compelled to run at this critical moment where strong opposition to Trump is necessary.
George Conway originally supported Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign but transitioned into a fierce critic over time. His vocal dissent contrasted sharply with that of his then-wife, highlighting the political rift in their marriage. The relationship gained widespread media attention, especially when Trump responded to George's criticisms by labeling him a "stone cold LOSER & husband from hell." The couple finalized their divorce in 2023, indicating that while their marriage included many joyful years, the political divide had become insurmountable.
The congressional district Conway is aiming to represent is characterized as solidly Democratic, encompassing areas like Midtown Manhattan, the Upper East Side, and the Upper West Side. Rep. Nadler, who announced he would not seek re-election, called for generational change within Congress, prompting a surge of Democratic candidates eyeing the open seat.
