South Middlesex Times

U.S. Representative Herb Conaway, a Rutgers Law School alumnus, has brought his diverse educational background to Congress. Conaway earned his undergraduate degree in politics from Princeton University, a medical degree specializing in internal medicine from Jefferson Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, and a law degree from Rutgers Law School in Camden while serving in the Air Force Medical Corps.

On January 3rd, Conaway was sworn into office for his first term, succeeding Senator Andy Kim. This made him the first Black physician with voting rights in Congress and the first Black congressman representing New Jersey’s 3rd District. Following his oath-taking ceremony in Washington D.C., he was welcomed by Minority Leader Hakim Jefferies who noted that only about 200 of over 12,000 U.S. congresspeople have been African American.

“I have run as a minority in a majority-white district for my entire career. Identity politics have not been a hallmark or pillar of my service,” said Conaway, who served New Jersey's 7th district from 1998 to 2024. “But I can’t help to reflect that it took so long for someone of African American descent to be a physician with voting rights in Congress."

Before Conaway's election, two Black physicians had served in Congress but were not eligible to vote because they represented the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Conaway's journey to Congress began two decades ago when he lost his initial House run against Rep. Jim Saxton (R-Mount Holly) in 2004. In November, he defeated Republican Rajesh Mohan for the seat vacated by Kim's Senate run.

“As a kindergartener I said when I grew up, I wanted to be either a doctor or a lawyer or a pilot. I’ve been all three,” stated Conaway.

Raised as one of four children by parents who prioritized education and community betterment, Conaway attributes much of his success to their influence. His father taught history and his mother worked as a nurse.

“My dad was a renaissance man," said Conaway. "He instilled in the four of us to get as much education and training and skills as possible – and use it for good.”

Conaway pursued law at Rutgers due to its proximity and practicality compared to other educational options like public health studies at Rutgers New Brunswick.

“I thought I could use both degrees," he explained regarding hospital administration versus legal work opportunities.

In Trenton, where political tensions are common, Conaway is known for maintaining composure during debates and intends to bring this approach to Washington D.C., aiming to build consensus on contentious issues.

“My personality is to try and turn down the temperature...I look to be a voice of reason but will never give up the values of the people I represent,” he stated.

Among his legislative goals are removing caps on state and local tax deductions (SALT) from federal taxable income and defending voting rights along with free press protections against constitutional threats.

“There those who are entrepreneurs of hate and division...It’s lamentable but I am confident that the American people know better than that,” concluded Conaway regarding challenges facing America today.