Herb Conaway

Herb Conaway is a Democratic U.S. Representative from New Jersey's 3rd Congressional District, serving since January 2025. He is a lifelong resident of Burlington County, New Jersey, and the son of a teacher and a nurse, which inspired his early commitment to public service. Born January 30, 1963, Conaway is a medical doctor, attorney, and veteran who made history as the first Black physician with voting privileges in Congress and the first Black congressman to represent New Jersey's 3rd district.

Education

Conaway earned his undergraduate degree in politics from Princeton University. He pursued advanced degrees in medicine and law, receiving his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College, where he specialized in internal medicine, and his law degree from Rutgers Law School in Camden. He is the only member of the New Jersey Legislature to hold both an M.D. and J.D.

Political Experience

Conaway served four years in the U.S. Air Force as a general medical officer and assistant director of the primary care clinic in the Medical Corps at McGuire Air Force Base. After his military service, he maintained a medical practice while pursuing elected office.

He represented New Jersey's 7th Legislative District in the state General Assembly for 25 years, beginning in 1998. In the legislature, he chaired the Health Committee and served on the Budget Committee and the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. His legislative achievements include sponsoring New Jersey's school funding formula, improving fiscal accountability in school districts, integrating technology into curriculum standards, and modernizing public school nutritional policies. He also championed environmental protection, property tax relief, veterans' services, and public safety initiatives.

As a congressman, Conaway prioritizes healthcare access, environmental protection, supporting service members and their families, and addressing climate change through initiatives like expanding access to electric vehicles.