6 US politicians who won elections despite being convicted of crimes: From Marion Barry to Greg Gianforte

6 US politicians who overcame legal adversities to win elections: From Marion Barry to Matthew Lyon

History is rife with examples of public figures who have risen to power despite criminal convictions. Former President Donald Trump, now the presumptive Republican nominee for the upcoming election, may join this controversial list. Convicted on 34 felony counts for falsifying business records to conceal a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, Trump remains a formidable contender against President Joe Biden in national polls. If Trump regains the presidency, he will not be alone in overcoming legal battles to achieve political success. From mayors and governors to congressmen, several officeholders have returned to power post-conviction. Here are some of them:

1. Marion Barry

Marion Barry's political journey is a testament to the loyalty and forgiveness voters can exhibit. Elected as the mayor of Washington, DC, in 1978, Barry’s career was marred by a scandal in 1990 when he was arrested for smoking crack cocaine in a hotel room. The sting operation, which involved an informant and was captured on video, led to Barry’s conviction and a six-month federal prison sentence. Despite this, Barry's deep-rooted connection with his constituents saw him return to politics soon after his release. He was elected to the DC City Council in 1992 and reclaimed the mayoralty in 1994. As Wesley Leckrone, chair of political science at Widener University, notes, "Years, or even decades, of helping constituents and being viewed as someone who stands up for their community creates a commitment to a candidate. Former DC Mayor Marion Barry is a prime example."

2. Greg Gianforte

Greg Gianforte's ascent in politics continued unabated despite a criminal conviction for assault. In 2017, on the eve of his election to the House of Representatives, Gianforte physically assaulted a reporter, Ben Jacobs, breaking his glasses. The incident, witnessed by Fox News reporters and recorded on audio, led to Gianforte pleading guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge. He was sentenced to community service and anger management classes. Gianforte apologized publicly to Jacobs and went on to serve in the House from 2017 to 2021 before being elected as Montana's governor in 2021.

3. Joseph Morrissey

Joseph Morrissey, an independent lawmaker from Virginia, managed to secure reelection to the state’s House of Delegates while serving a jail sentence. In 2015, Morrissey was reelected despite a recent guilty plea to a misdemeanor charge stemming from an alleged relationship with a 17-year-old secretary. Remarkably, Morrissey campaigned during the day and returned to jail at night, a strategy that did not deter his supporters.

4. Kevin Parker

New York State Senator Kevin Parker’s political career has been punctuated by multiple legal issues, yet he has maintained his seat through successive elections. Convicted of misdemeanor criminal mischief in 2010 for damaging a photographer's equipment, Parker's history includes several other allegations of violence and misconduct. Despite these controversies, Parker has been reelected every two years since his first term and is currently running for reelection in 2024.

5. Vito Fossella

Vito Fossella's political narrative is marked by personal scandal and a subsequent return to public office. Serving in the House of Representatives for New York’s 13th Congressional District, Fossella’s career was derailed in 2008 by a drunk driving arrest, during which he also revealed an extramarital affair and an illegitimate child. He was convicted of a misdemeanor and sentenced to five days in prison. Although he initially stepped back from politics, Fossella re-emerged in 2021 as Staten Island Borough president.

6. Matthew Lyon

A historical example of a politician overcoming legal adversity is Matthew Lyon, who served in the House of Representatives during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Lyon was jailed in 1798 under the Alien and Sedition Acts for criticizing President John Adams. Remarkably, Lyon was reelected to Congress, representing Kentucky while imprisoned, and continued to serve multiple terms, thereby showcasing the early American electorate's willingness to support a convicted lawmaker, as reported by USA Today.