Connie Conway

Connie Conway is an American politician who served as the U.S. Representative for California's 22nd congressional district from 2022 to 2023. A member of the Republican Party, Conway has held various political roles throughout her career, including serving in the California State Assembly and as a member of the Tulare County Board of Supervisors. In addition to her legislative work, she was appointed by the Trump Administration to lead the USDA Farm Service Agency in California. Following her congressional tenure, she returned to the Farm Service Agency and became a Republican National Committeewoman for California.

Early life and career

Connie Marie Conway was born on September 25, 1950, in Bakersfield, California. She pursued her education at the College of the Sequoias and California State University, Fresno. Conway's political involvement has roots in her family, as her father, John Conway, served on the Tulare County Board of Supervisors from 1981 until his passing in 1991. This familial connection to local governance likely influenced her own political aspirations.

Before entering politics, Conway worked in various roles in the healthcare and business sectors. From 1988 to 1991, she served as a wellness coordinator at the Kaweah Delta Medical Center. Following this position, she worked at Sweet's Home Medical from 1991 to 1994, and then took on the role of district manager at CorVel Corporation from 1994 to 2000. These experiences provided her with a background in both healthcare and management, which would later inform her policy perspectives.

Conway's political career began when she was elected to the Tulare County Board of Supervisors, where she served from 2001 to 2008. During her time on the board, she held the position of chair in both 2005 and 2008. In addition to her supervisory duties, she was appointed by the governor to chair the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley, an initiative aimed at enhancing the region's economy and quality of life through policy recommendations. Her leadership extended to the California State Association of Counties, where she served as president in 2006, representing all of California's counties at both state and federal levels. She also held a directorial role in the National Association of Counties, contributing to its membership and economic development committees.

House tenure

Conway's congressional career began with her election to the U.S. House of Representatives in a special election held in 2022. This election was necessitated by the resignation of Devin Nunes, who stepped down from his position in January of that year. In the nonpartisan blanket primary held in April 2022, Conway advanced to a runoff against Democrat Lourin Hubbard. She won the runoff election on June 7, 2022, and was sworn into office on June 14, 2022.

During her brief tenure in the House, Conway participated in several key votes that reflected her political positions. Notably, she voted against the Respect for Marriage Act, which aimed to secure the right to same-sex marriage at the federal level. Additionally, she opposed the Inflation Reduction Act, which sought to address various economic issues, including climate change and healthcare costs. Despite her active participation in congressional matters, Conway did not seek a full term in the subsequent November 2022 elections, concluding her time in the House on January 3, 2023.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout her time in Congress, Conway was assigned to several committees that aligned with her interests and expertise. She served on the Committee on Natural Resources, where she was involved in discussions and legislation related to energy, mineral resources, and environmental issues. Within this committee, she was a member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources and the Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife. These roles allowed her to engage with critical issues affecting California and the broader United States, particularly those related to natural resources and environmental stewardship.

In addition to her work on natural resources, Conway was also a member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Here, she participated in the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, focusing on issues pertinent to veterans and their families. This committee work reflected her commitment to addressing the needs of those who have served in the military and ensuring they receive the support and recognition they deserve.

Following her departure from Congress, Conway returned to her previous role as the State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency in California in May 2025. This position allowed her to continue her involvement in agricultural policy and support for farmers in the state. Additionally, she became a Republican National Committeewoman for California, stepping into this role after the resignation of Harmeet Dhillon.

Conway's political career has been marked by her involvement in various levels of government and her focus on issues affecting her constituents in California. Her background in local governance, combined with her experience in state and federal roles, has shaped her approach to public service and policy-making. As a Roman Catholic, her personal beliefs may also inform her perspectives on various legislative matters.