George Conway, a former Republican and one of President Donald Trump’s fiercest critics, has officially entered the race for Congress in New York’s 12th district. In an unexpected turn, Conway, who once supported Trump in 2016, is running as a Democrat, aiming to hold the former president accountable and make a change in Washington.
Conway, a 62-year-old lawyer, acknowledged that if asked a year ago whether he would ever run for Congress, he would have laughed. But now, with the country facing what he describes as a “criminal president,” Conway says he has the necessary skills to tackle the current political landscape.
“My goal is simple: to take on the president,” Conway told CNN, referring to Trump’s ongoing legal issues. “We have a convicted criminal, a man who is committing high crimes and misdemeanors every day.”
Conway’s decision to announce his candidacy on January 6, the fifth anniversary of the Capitol attack, shows his determination to confront Trump’s legacy.
A Competitive Race for the 12th District
Conway’s entry into the race puts him in direct competition with a range of Democratic candidates in one of the bluest districts in the country. The seat, currently held by retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler, has drawn interest from notable figures, including former President John F. Kennedy’s grandson, Jack Schlossberg, and New York state Reps. Micah Lasher and Alex Bores.
Despite this, Conway feels confident in his ability to make a difference, pointing to his deep roots in New York City, where he worked for decades as a commercial litigator.
From Republican Supporter to Anti-Trump Advocate
Conway’s path to running for Congress is a far cry from his past. In 2016, he voted for Trump and celebrated his then-wife Kellyanne Conway’s role in steering Trump to victory. However, over the next few years, Conway’s support for Trump began to wane, and by 2018, he had publicly broken with the Republican Party, co-founding the anti-Trump Lincoln Project.
Conway’s outspoken criticism of Trump made him a target for the president, who frequently mocked him on social media, calling him “Mr. Kellyanne Conway” and “a stone cold LOSER.”
Despite the personal toll, including the dissolution of his marriage to Kellyanne in 2023, Conway says he is committed to taking action against Trump, regardless of the personal sacrifices.
Conway’s Focus: Trump Accountability
When asked about his priorities as a congressional candidate, Conway made it clear: his first goal is to hold Donald Trump accountable. He views impeachment and removing Trump from office as a moral and constitutional obligation. Conway sees the best way to serve his constituents as taking bold steps to address Trump’s presidency.
“I want to make the country better, and we can’t do that until we address Donald Trump’s actions,” Conway said.
Challenges Ahead and Support from Anti-Trump Allies
While Conway has gained support among anti-Trump conservatives, his candidacy will face tough questions, including his transition from a former Republican to a Democrat and his connection to New York. Some critics, like former Manhattan borough president Gale Brewer, argue that Conway needs to prove his commitment to the district beyond just opposing Trump.
Despite the challenges, Conway’s allies are confident in his chances. Political commentator Bill Kristol believes that if Conway wins and Democrats take the House, he could become a significant figure in Congress, bringing his anti-Trump stance to the forefront.
Looking Ahead: A Short-Term Political Commitment
Conway is clear that his goal is not to build a long-term political career. Instead, he sees himself as a “special teams player,” wanting to serve only for a few years to help restore some semblance of normalcy to the government.
As he moves forward with his campaign, Conway remains focused on one thing: confronting Trump’s legacy and ensuring that the country moves in a different direction.
Adapted from CNN
