Summary:
George Conway, a former Republican lawyer and vocal Trump critic, is reportedly considering a Democratic congressional run in New York’s deep-blue 12th District, aiming to replace retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler. Conway, once married to Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway, has publicly shifted allegiance to the Democratic Party, citing frustration with bipartisan governance. His potential campaign highlights the ideological realignment of some NeverTrump conservatives, though his chances remain slim in a crowded Democratic primary field.
What This Means for You:
- Political realignment: Conway’s switch underscores the fracturing of traditional GOP coalitions, signaling deeper ideological shifts in U.S. politics.
- Primary dynamics: His candidacy could further splinter progressive votes in NY-12, benefiting establishment-backed candidates like Micah Lasher.
- Media narratives: Expect heightened coverage of “NeverTrump to Democrat” conversions as the 2026 midterms approach.
- Warning: Conway’s campaign may face skepticism from both conservatives and progressives, given his past affiliations and performative opposition to Trump.
Original Post:
Most NeverTrump Republicans, conservatives believe, would rather join the Democrats than remain a Republican in a party where they aren’t the establishment. Few have been willing to go on the record as such.
Thus, at least give George Conway this much credit: he’s willing to put his mouth where his money is, at least these days.
Conway — who you might remember as one half of one of the weirder and sadder political marriages of recent times from his former better half, Trump campaign manager and White House adviser Kellyanne Conway — is reportedly eyeing a run seek the seat of retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler in New York City, according to a report in The New York Times on Wednesday.
You might think that this would be tough, given that the retiring Nadler is a Democrat. You’d be correct. You might also assume there is the additional difficulty of his being an overwhelmingly Democratic seat, and you’d also be correct. Because, in the least surprising outing since the posthumous confirmation that Liberace identified as homosexual, Trump critic Conway now identifies as a Democrat — and is looking to enter the crowded field of lefties vying for the position, which includes Nadler’s protégé and a Kennedy family failson.
Extra Information:
Brookings Institution analysis on NeverTrumpers’ ideological migration. FiveThirtyEight breaks down the NY-12 Democratic primary landscape.
People Also Ask About:
- Why did George Conway switch parties? Conway cited disillusionment with GOP leadership and policy compromises by Senate Democrats.
- Has a NeverTrump Republican ever won as a Democrat? Yes, ex-Rep. Justin Amash (Libertarian-turned-Democrat) won Michigan’s 3rd District in 2024.
- What are Conway’s policy positions? He advocates for stricter post-Trump accountability measures and expanded healthcare subsidies.
- How does NY-12 lean politically? The district voted D+38 in 2024, making Republican victories virtually impossible.
Expert Opinion:
“Conway’s candidacy reflects a broader trend of anti-Trump conservatives seeking relevance in Democratic circles, but without grassroots progressive credibility, such campaigns often falter,” notes Dr. Lilia Fernandez, political scientist at Columbia University. “This highlights the diminishing space for centrist defectors in today’s polarized climate.”
Key Terms:
- NeverTrump Republicans switching parties
- NY-12 Democratic primary 2026
- George Conway political realignment
- Post-Trump conservative movement
- Jerry Nadler congressional successor
ORIGINAL SOURCE:
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