Who We Are

The New York State Conservative Party was formed in 1962 and during its existence it has had a profound impact on the conservative movement in the United States.

In 1965, the Conservative Party made national news when it nominated William F. Buckley, Jr. to be its candidate for Mayor of New York City. For the first time ever, Buckley and the Conservative Party presented the people of New York a conservative alternative on a broad range of social and economic issues.

Buckley’s personality and communications skills captured the attention of the press and the public.

Buckley, in partnership with the New York State Conservative Party, played a crucial role in making conservatism the dominant political force in American politics.

Buckley’s revolution successfully challenged the liberal politics of New York. Conservative Party candidates like Barbara Keating and Bill’s brother Jim Buckley shook the political foundations of the New York (and to some degree national) political establishment. In 1970, Jim Buckley was elected U.S. Senator from New York as the candidate of the Conservative Party. He defeated candidates from the Democrat and the Republican parties to win this seat.

The Conservative Party also contributed to the national conservative revolution when it provided Ronald Reagan with his margin of victory in New York in the 1980 race for President of the United States. The Conservative Party continues to champion the principles of Buckley and Reagan because it fervently believes they are the only path to protecting our countries vital freedoms and liberty.