In the realm of American politics, the term 'NeverTrump Republicans' has become a familiar phrase.
It refers to a faction within the Republican party that is vehemently opposed to President Donald Trump, and according to many conservatives, would rather align with the Democrats than remain in a party where they are not part of the establishment.
Few, however, have been bold enough to publicly declare such intentions.
One individual who has dared to break this silence is George Conway. Conway, who was once married to Kellyanne Conway, Trump's campaign manager and White House adviser, is reportedly considering a run for the seat of retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler in New York City, as reported by The New York Times.
The challenge that lies ahead for Conway is substantial. Nadler, a Democrat, held a seat in a district that is predominantly Democratic. However, Conway, a vocal critic of Trump, has recently identified himself as a Democrat and is prepared to join the throng of left-leaning candidates vying for the position. This group includes Nadler's protg and a member of the Kennedy family.
According to The New York Times, Conway, 62, has engaged Democratic pollster Anna Greenberg to assist with his potential campaign. He is also reportedly looking for apartments in the district where he previously lived and worked before moving to Washington in 2017 when his then-wife, Kellyanne Conway, joined the Trump administration. The Conways divorced in 2023.
During a private virtual event for paid members of Democracy Docket, a media outlet founded by Democratic attorney Marc Elias, Conway expressed his frustration with the eight Senate Democrats who recently voted with Republicans to reopen the government without a deal to extend expiring health care subsidies. This frustration, it seems, has fueled his desire to enter politics.
Conway stated, "This is the time for a lawyer who has never been in politics to go into politics. This is lawyering now." He emphasized the need for accountability and the undoing of damage done to the Justice Department. He also called for the creation of new safeguards that would make the Watergate safeguards seem insignificant.
Despite his past as a Republican lawyer, which he acknowledges may deter some, Conway remains steadfast in his political ambitions. His past includes representing women who accused Bill Clinton of sexual misconduct and being a member of the Federalist Society. However, his recent social media activity, which includes reposts from Democrat and left-leaning accounts, reveals his current political leanings.
Conway's decision to switch political allegiances is not unique. Many 'NeverTrumpers' have chosen to align themselves with the left while maintaining the facade of being independent conservatives. Bill Kristol, for instance, has been vocal in his support for Zohran Mamdani, a rising political figure in New York.
Both Conway and Kristol are associated with The Bulwark, a media outlet known for its anti-Trump stance. Kristol serves as an editor-at-large, while Conway is a podcaster. Their views often mirror, and sometimes exceed, the rhetoric of elected Democrats.
Conway's political shift has two potential benefits. Firstly, he becomes another left-leaning liberal, shedding his image as a dissenting Republican. Secondly, his decision to run for office, although seemingly quixotic, could potentially disrupt the expected succession of Nadler's preferred candidate, state Assemblyman Micah Lasher. However, even Democrats may be wary of placing their trust in George Conway, given his political history.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, figures like Conway serve as a reminder of the fluidity of political affiliations and the complexities of party politics. Whether his bid for office will be successful remains to be seen, but his journey is a testament to the ever-changing dynamics of American politics.
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