NEW YORK (Diya TV) — Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, announced that he will run for Congress next year, stepping into the race for the seat being vacated by longtime Democratic Representative Jerrold Nadler. His bid marks a new chapter in one of America’s most storied political families and a fresh face in a crowded Democratic primary for New York’s influential 12th Congressional District.
Schlossberg, 32, confirmed his campaign in an email to supporters late Tuesday, saying he hopes to bring “creativity, energy, and drive” to Washington. He also posted a campaign video on social media, declaring that his generation must take the lead in restoring public trust and fighting corruption.
“This district should have a representative who can harness the creativity, energy, and drive of this district and translate that into political power in Washington,” Schlossberg said in the video.
Nadler, who has served 17 terms in Congress, announced in September that he will not seek re-election in 2026. The 12th District covers Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Upper East Side, and Midtown — one of New York City’s most prominent and politically active areas. Nadler’s retirement has opened the door for a new wave of Democratic hopefuls eager to represent the district.
Schlossberg, the only grandson of President Kennedy, has long been seen as a potential torchbearer for the family’s political legacy. His mother, Caroline Kennedy, served as U.S. ambassador to Australia under President Joe Biden and was previously ambassador to Japan under President Barack Obama. Both mother and son spoke at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, signaling his growing visibility within the party.
A Yale graduate with master’s and law degrees from Harvard, Schlossberg has limited government experience. He briefly worked at the State Department and contributed to political journalism, including a stint with Vogue.com during the 2024 election.
Still, Schlossberg sees his outsider status as an advantage. “I bring two years of experience in a toxic and polluted media environment where I know how to breathe that air,” he told The New York Times. “This district needs someone who knows how to fight back effectively in this new political era.”
Before launching his campaign, Schlossberg built a significant online following as a social media political commentator. He has more than 830,000 followers on TikTok and over 170,000 on X. His posts often mix humor with political criticism, targeting Republicans and defending progressive causes.
He has also drawn attention for publicly criticizing his cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who now serves as health secretary under President Donald Trump. Schlossberg has mocked Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” platform and his controversial stance on vaccines.
“I think our party needs more voices willing to push back on the abuses of power we’re seeing,” Schlossberg said. “Without control of Congress, there’s almost nothing we can do to address the cost of living, corruption, or the constitutional crisis we’re in.”
Schlossberg enters a crowded Democratic primary field that already includes several seasoned local politicians. Among them are State Assemblyman Micah Lasher, a Nadler protégé; State Assemblyman Alex Bores; journalist and lawyer Jami Floyd; former financial executive Alan Pardee; and City Council member Erik Bottcher. Liam Elkind, a 26-year-old nonprofit founder, is also in the race.
Schlossberg’s challenge will be standing out among more experienced contenders while appealing to younger and progressive voters energized by recent political shifts in New York.
His campaign begins as the city’s political landscape undergoes rapid change. Zohran Mamdani, the 34-year-old state assemblyman recently elected mayor of New York City, has become a rising star among young Democrats. Schlossberg praised Mamdani but emphasized that his campaign would focus on his own message.
“If Zohran Mamdani and I have anything in common, it’s that we are both trying to be authentic versions of ourselves and meet people where they are,” Schlossberg said. “The only race I know how to run is my own.”
The Democratic primary for New York’s 12th Congressional District is set for June 2026. With control of the House of Representatives hanging in the balance, Democrats are looking for candidates who can connect with voters and counter the policies of President Trump’s administration.
For Schlossberg, that fight begins at home. “I grew up in this district,” he said. “It deserves a representative who understands its values and can bring them to Washington.”
As the Kennedy name returns to the ballot, all eyes will be on whether Jack Schlossberg can translate his famous family legacy and social media following into a winning campaign.
