George Conway, a prominent conservative attorney best known in recent years as one of Donald Trump’s fiercest critics, has officially entered electoral politics. On Monday, Conway filed paperwork to run as a Democrat for the U.S. House seat being vacated by longtime New York Rep. Jerry Nadler.
Speculation about Conway’s candidacy had been circulating for weeks, especially after he acknowledged hiring a Democratic pollster to assess the viability of a run. The filing confirms that the outspoken lawyer is serious about seeking office in one of Manhattan’s most high-profile congressional districts.
Conway’s political journey is an unusual one. Although he built his career in conservative legal circles, he became nationally known during Trump’s presidency for his relentless public criticism of the president. His opposition stood in sharp contrast to the role of his former wife, Kellyanne Conway, who managed Trump’s 2016 campaign and later served as a senior White House adviser during Trump’s first term.
Despite being offered a role in the Trump administration early on, Conway declined. What followed was a very public and often personal feud. Conway repeatedly questioned Trump’s temperament and fitness for office, while Trump responded with insults that frequently referenced Conway’s personal life. The clash escalated to the point where Conway labeled Trump a “fascist” and later authored a widely read essay arguing that Trump was fundamentally unfit to serve as president.
Conway eventually co-founded The Lincoln Project, a political action committee made up of former Republicans focused on defeating Trump and Trump-aligned candidates. Since then, he has remained a consistent and vocal critic of the former president, positioning himself as part of a broader anti-Trump conservative movement that has increasingly aligned with Democrats.
His entry into the race comes amid significant movement in New York politics. Shortly after Conway filed, New York City Councilmember Erik Bottcher announced he was ending his congressional campaign and would instead run for a seat in the New York State Senate. Even so, the Democratic primary for Nadler’s seat remains crowded and competitive.
At least nine candidates have already filed since Nadler revealed in September that he would not seek reelection. The field includes Jack Schlossberg, the only grandson of President John F. Kennedy, as well as prominent progressive figures like March for Our Lives co-founder Cameron Kasky. New York State Assembly members Alex Bores and Micah Lasher are also in the race.
With a mix of political newcomers, progressive activists, and legacy names, the primary is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched House contests in New York. Conway’s candidacy adds another layer of intrigue, bringing national name recognition, a history of sharp political combat, and a rare example of a conservative legal figure seeking office as a Democrat in the Trump era.
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