Ex-Rep. Mike Conaway, former aide launch lobbying firm

Former House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway (R-Texas), who retired from Congress this year, has launched a lobbying firm with his former chief of staff, Scott Graves.

The Conaway Graves Group will work on agriculture, energy, intelligence and defense issues for clients and provide government relations services, as well as PAC management, reputation management and other services.

“For years, Scott and I have successfully teamed up to build strategies, execute on ideas, and solve problems. We have passed landmark legislation and developed a track record of success on Capitol Hill. Now, we look forward to deploying that experience to deliver results for clients looking to make a real impact,” Conaway said in a press release Wednesday.

The Texas Republican served in Congress from 2005 to 2021 and chaired the Agriculture Committee from 2015 to 2019. He announced his retirement in July 2019.

Conaway also chaired the House Ethics Committee and served on the Armed Services Committee. 

Graves most recently was a partner at Williams & Jenson, where he worked for four years. Before that, he was staff director for the House Agriculture Committee from 2015 to 2017 and was Conaway’s chief of staff from 2011 to 2014. He began working for Conaway as a legislative assistant in 2005. 

Another member who retired this year, former Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-Ala.), rejoined his old lobbying firm Adams and Reese earlier this month.