High-Profile Trump Critic George Conway Launches Congressional Bid in NY-12
NEW YORK — George Conway, a prominent attorney and longtime critic of former President Donald Trump, has filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to run for Congress as a Democrat in New York’s 12th Congressional District.
The Manhattan-based district is being vacated by Rep. Jerry Nadler, who announced earlier this year that he will retire at the end of his term. The seat, which includes the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, and parts of Midtown Manhattan, is considered a Democratic stronghold, making the primary election the decisive contest.
Conway, 62, is best known nationally as a co-founder of the anti-Trump political group The Lincoln Project and for his frequent public criticism of Trump during and after his presidency. A former conservative Republican and Federalist Society member, Conway broke sharply with the GOP during the Trump era and has since aligned himself with Democratic candidates and causes.
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In recent years, Conway has said he wants to move beyond media commentary and engage directly in electoral politics, citing concerns about democratic institutions and the rule of law. He has also published commentary through online platforms outlining his political views.
The race for New York’s 12th District is expected to draw a crowded Democratic primary field, with potential candidates including local elected officials, activists, and high-profile figures. Conway’s entry has drawn attention due to his past conservative affiliations and national profile, raising questions about how his background may resonate with progressive voters in the district.
Reaction on social media has been mixed. Supporters praised Conway’s outspoken opposition to Trump and welcomed his candidacy, while critics questioned his political evolution and ties to New York City, noting that he has spent significant time outside the district. Others framed the move as an unusual but unsurprising development given his long-standing public break with the Republican Party.
No Republican has won the district in decades, making the Democratic primary the focal point of the race as the 2026 election cycle begins to take shape.
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