Former FBI director James Comey has been a figure of political intrigue in the United States, given his high-profile role in investigations involving both the Democratic and Republican Parties. Now, questions about his political affiliation and voting history are circulating online once again following his latest indictment.
Here’s what we know about his current political affiliation and his past beliefs.
Why Was James Comey Indicted a Second Time?
In April 2026, Comey was indicted again by the U.S. Department of Justice, marking a second federal case against the former FBI chief, though it involves a completely separate issue from prior legal scrutiny.
The new indictment stems from a 2025 social media post in which seashells were arranged to form the numbers “86 47.”
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announces DOJ indictment of former FBI Dir. James Comey for threats to the life of President Trump: “Threatening the life of the President of the United States will never be tolerated.” pic.twitter.com/uPsgaQelc2
— CSPAN (@cspan) April 28, 2026
What Does ’86 47′ Mean?
Prosecutors have alleged that the seashell message could be interpreted as a threat directed toward Donald Trump, with “86” meaning “to get rid of” and “47” referencing Trump as the 47th president.
Comey has denied any wrongdoing. He has maintained that the social media post was not intended as a threat.
Is James Comey a Democrat or a Republican?
Comey no longer identifies as a Republican. During a 2018 interview on the ABC News podcast “Start Here,” he said the current Republican Party did not “represent anything I believe in.”
“I just think they’ve lost their way, and I can’t be associated with it,” Comey said at the time. “I see the Republican Party, as near as I can tell, reflects now entirely Donald Trump’s values. It doesn’t reflect values at all. It’s transactional, it’s ego-driven, it’s in service to his ego. And it’s, I think, consoling itself that we’re going to achieve important policy goals — a tax cut or something.”
Comey has stated he identifies as an independent, rather than boasting any loyalty to either political party.
Has James Comey Ever Revealed Who He Voted for?
Yes, Comey has publicly disclosed his voting choices in recent presidential elections. He confirmed that he voted for Hillary Clinton in 2016, despite his role in the FBI’s investigation into her email practices. He also later stated that he voted for Joe Biden in the 2020 election.
During his 2018 ABC News podcast interview, Comey said he wouldn’t have voted for Trump.
“I can’t imagine a circumstance of me voting for President Trump,” Comey explained, adding, “Given what I think he reflects in terms of values.”
