Jack Schlossberg, grandson of President John F. Kennedy, has announced his candidacy for New York’s 12th Congressional District. At 32, he runs as a progressive Democrat and a fresh voice for a new generation facing key national challenges. He aims to succeed retiring Representative Jerry Nadler and focuses on urgent issues like the cost-of-living crisis, major cuts to healthcare, education, and childcare, and widespread corruption. Schlossberg has criticized former President Donald Trump, warning about a concentration of power that threatens the constitution.
Raised in the district, which covers areas from Union Square to Midtown and the Upper West and East sides, Schlossberg connects with younger voters through his vibrant social media presence. After the Democratic Party’s 2024 losses, he advocates for party reforms and generational change. He distances himself from cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s controversial views while pledging to honor JFK’s legacy naturally.
The race is competitive, with candidates like Assemblyman Micah Lasher and community organizer Liam Elkind also running. Democrats are hopeful the 2026 midterms will help regain control of Congress, making Schlossberg’s campaign a focal point in New York politics. His run marks the first by a direct JFK descendant in this era, highlighting both the Kennedy family’s public service legacy and the evolving nature of American politics.
