A seasoned FBI intelligence official steps into the political arena after resigning from his 17-year career at the bureau.
According to The Daily Caller, John Sullivan, a former FBI Section Chief who worked on January 6 cases, is challenging Republican Rep. Michael Lawler for New York's 17th Congressional District after resigning from the bureau in protest of the Trump administration.
Sullivan's departure from the FBI came during Trump's presidency, specifically after Kash Patel became FBI director. He has been vocal about his concerns regarding the current administration, particularly expressing alarm about what he perceives as threats to national security. His campaign platform heavily emphasizes his experience in counterterrorism and his role in investigating the January 6 events.
Sullivan's FBI career began in 2008, just before Barack Obama took office. He climbed the ranks from Surveillance Specialist to Section Chief of the FBI's Directorate of Intelligence, serving in both Washington, D.C. and New York field offices. His tenure included over three years of counterterrorism work in Israel until May 2020.
The congressional candidate holds the distinction of being one of the most senior gay officials in the bureau's history. His extensive experience includes work on various high-profile cases, including those related to Russia, foreign terrorists, and drug cartels.
In a recent campaign announcement, Sullivan stated:
For 17 years, I served in secret, protecting us from threats like Russia, foreign terrorists and drug cartels, and eventually the insurrectionists who stormed our Capitol. Now, I'm stepping out of the shadows to run for Congress.
Sullivan's campaign has sparked debate about the FBI's approach to domestic terrorism. In an interview, he criticized the current administration's handling of domestic threats, particularly taking issue with personnel reductions in related investigative teams.
The candidate has highlighted former FBI Director Christopher Wray's congressional testimony identifying domestic terrorism as the primary threat to American security. This stance aligns with the Biden administration's 2021 initiative establishing the first National Strategy for Countering Domestic Terrorism.
Recent revelations about the FBI's involvement in the January 6 investigations have added complexity to the narrative. A Department of Justice watchdog reported that 26 FBI confidential human informants were present at events connected to January 6 in Washington D.C.
Critics have called for scrutiny of Sullivan's past cases, suggesting potential political bias. His resignation coincided with significant changes in FBI leadership, including Wray's departure in 2024 before Trump could terminate his position.
Under Sullivan's watch, the bureau faced accusations of political weaponization from conservatives. Several FBI whistleblowers have come forward with allegations of bureau misconduct, including claims of surveillance of parents at school board meetings and bias against pro-life individuals.
The controversy extends to the bureau's classification of domestic threats. While Wray testified that white supremacist organizations posed a greater domestic terror threat than Antifa, he characterized the latter as "a movement or an ideology" rather than a structured group.
John Sullivan's bid for Congress represents a significant shift from intelligence work to public service. His campaign focuses on national security concerns and criticism of the Trump administration, which he claims poses the greatest threat to American safety. The race for New York's 17th Congressional District has gained national attention as Sullivan challenges incumbent Republican Rep. Michael Lawler. The outcome could influence broader discussions about the role of intelligence community veterans in elected office and the ongoing debate about domestic security priorities.
