George Conway Enters Race for Congress in Deep-Blue Manhattan

A Former Republican’s Bold Move

George Conway, widely recognized as a leading “Never Trump” Republican, has announced his candidacy for Congress in New York’s 12th congressional district. This predominantly Democratic area is set for a competitive primary landscape, as Conway joins an array of state and local lawmakers, activists, and even the grandson of President John F. Kennedy, Jack Schlossberg.

Background of George Conway

Conway’s political transformation has been striking. Initially a conservative attorney, he gained notoriety during the Trump administration for vocally criticizing the former president through tweets and media appearances. In 2019, Conway made headlines by labeling Trump as mentally "unfit" for office, referencing the DSM-5, the diagnostic manual for mental health conditions. This bold stance came about during the early impeachment inquiry into Trump’s conduct.

• Legal Career: Before his shift in political alignment, Conway played notable roles in significant legal cases, including representing Paula Jones in her lawsuit against President Bill Clinton.
• Media Presence: After the 2019 split from his ex-wife, Kellyanne Conway, who served as Trump’s 2016 campaign manager, George became a familiar face on liberal media platforms, contributing to prominent outlets like MSNBC and The Bulwark.

The Congressional Bid

Conway officially filed his Federal Election Commission paperwork to run for Congress on Monday afternoon. The 12th congressional district, stretching from Morningside Heights to Chelsea and bordered by the East and Hudson Rivers, is currently represented by Congressman Jerry Nadler, who will retire in 2026.

Key Facts About New York’s 12th Congressional District

• Political Lean: This district is one of the most Democratic in New York State, with Vice President Kamala Harris receiving over 80% of the vote in the 2024 elections.
• Democratic Primary Landscape: Conway becomes the eleventh Democrat to enter the race, joining notable candidates such as:
  • State Assemblyman Micah Lasher (Nadler’s protégé)
  • Assemblyman Alex Bores
  • Parkland shooting survivor and activist Cameron Kasky

Crowded Field Dynamics

Given the multitude of candidates, the Democratic primary could produce an outcome where a candidate wins with as little as 20% of the vote. This situation is not unprecedented; in 2022, Congressman Dan Goldman secured his seat with merely a quarter of the total votes, narrowly defeating his nearest competitor.

Recent Developments and Public Appearance

Recently, Conway was seen outside the home of former National Security Advisor John Bolton, who is currently facing charges related to classified information. This incident adds another layer of intrigue to Conway’s political narrative, especially considering his history with ethics and accountability in government.

Evolving Political Identity

Conway’s journey from a traditional conservative to a staunch critic of Trump encapsulates a broader shift within American politics. His candidacy raises questions about the future of the Republican party and the influence of “Never Trump” Republicans in Democratic primaries.

Conclusion

George Conway’s congressional run is poised to shape the political landscape in Manhattan. As he navigates a packed primary field, his unique background and vocal critiques of Trump may resonate with a progressive electorate eager for change. The upcoming months will define Conway’s impact and the potential new direction for a long-time Democratic stronghold.

For more insights into the evolving political spheres, consider exploring sources like Ballotpedia and FiveThirtyEight for the latest updates and analysis.