George Conway, a prominent critic of Donald Trump and co-founder of The Lincoln Project, has filed paperwork to run as a Democrat for the congressional seat being vacated by Rep. Jerry Nadler in New York. The move comes amid a crowded primary field for the Manhattan-based district. Conway's entry follows reports last month that he had consulted a Democratic pollster to assess his prospects.
George Conway, a conservative lawyer known for his sharp criticism of former President Donald Trump, took a significant step into electoral politics on Monday by filing paperwork to run for Congress. He is seeking the Democratic nomination for the House seat in New York's 12th Congressional District, which Rep. Jerry Nadler announced in September he would not seek to retain after decades in office.
Conway's political journey has been marked by a deep rift with Trump. Once offered a role in the Trump administration, which he declined, Conway's relationship with the former president soured quickly. Trump publicly labeled him a "stone cold LOSER & husband from hell," while Conway retaliated by calling Trump a "fascist" and authoring an essay declaring him "unfit for office." This animosity extended to personal spheres, as Conway was married to Kellyanne Conway, a key figure in Trump's 2016 campaign and White House tenure.
In response to his disillusionment, Conway co-founded The Lincoln Project, a political action committee comprising former Republicans dedicated to opposing Trump. The group gained prominence for its anti-Trump advertising during the 2020 election cycle.
Conway's candidacy announcement has already reshaped the race. Shortly after his filing, New York City Councilmember Erik Bottcher withdrew his bid for the House seat to pursue a state Senate campaign instead. Nevertheless, the primary remains highly competitive, with at least nine candidates already in the fray. Among them are Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of President John F. Kennedy; Cameron Kasky, an organizer with March for Our Lives; and state Assembly members Alex Bores and Micah Lasher.
The district, centered in Manhattan, encompasses diverse neighborhoods and has long been a Democratic stronghold. Conway's entry, blending his conservative background with vocal anti-Trump advocacy, could inject fresh dynamics into the contest as voters weigh experience against ideological alignment.
