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In a surprising political development, John F. Kennedy’s grandson Jack Schlossberg announced Tuesday his candidacy for New York’s 12th Congressional District, seeking to replace veteran Democratic Representative Jerry Nadler, who is retiring after 17 terms in office.
Schlossberg, 32, informed supporters via email that he would officially launch his campaign Wednesday, though he got a head start by releasing a campaign video on social media Tuesday night. The video outlines his vision for representing the Manhattan district, which encompasses the Upper West Side, Upper East Side, and Midtown.
“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 declared in his campaign message.
The Kennedy scion didn’t hesitate to take aim at President Donald Trump, whom he accused of creating both a “corruption crisis” and a “constitutional crisis” in American politics. “The President has made almost a billion dollars this year. He’s picking winners and losers from inside the Oval Office. It’s cronyism, not capitalism,” Schlossberg stated, adding that Trump has gained control of “all three branches of government” while “stripping citizens of their civil rights and silencing his critics.”
Schlossberg’s entry into electoral politics follows his growing public profile as a vocal critic of the current administration. He has built a substantial social media following through his commentary on national issues, including sharp criticism of his cousin, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Just last month, Schlossberg made headlines with an Instagram post mocking what he called a “MAHA Man” Halloween costume – a reference to RFK Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” slogan – describing it as including elements like measles, in an apparent critique of his cousin’s controversial positions on vaccines.
The 12th District seat became available after Nadler announced in September that he would not seek re-election in 2025. In comments to The New York Times, the 77-year-old congressman suggested that a younger Democrat “can maybe do better, can maybe help us more” in the role he has held since 1992.
Schlossberg’s candidacy marks the latest chapter in the Kennedy family’s storied political legacy. As the only grandson of President John F. Kennedy, he brings instant name recognition to the race, though he will need to establish his own political identity beyond his famous lineage. He has previously kept a relatively low profile compared to other Kennedy family members, though he has appeared at high-profile Democratic events, including speaking at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
The Manhattan district he seeks to represent is one of the most reliably Democratic in the country, making the primary contest the most consequential hurdle for any candidate. The area is known for its politically engaged voters and progressive leanings, presenting both an opportunity and challenge for Schlossberg’s first foray into electoral politics.
Political analysts note that while the Kennedy name still carries significant weight in American politics, Schlossberg will likely face a competitive primary field of experienced local politicians and activists vying for the open seat. His campaign will test whether a new generation of the Kennedy dynasty can resonate with today’s voters, particularly in a district known for its political sophistication.
The race for New York’s 12th District is expected to attract significant attention not only because of Schlossberg’s famous lineage but also due to the district’s importance as a Democratic stronghold during a time of intense national political polarization.
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14 Comments
A Kennedy running for Congress? Interesting development. I’ll be curious to see how this campaign plays out and what policy positions the candidate takes on issues like mining, energy, and the economy.
The Kennedy name certainly carries weight, but this will be a hard-fought race. The incumbent has decades of experience, so the challenger will need to make a compelling case to voters.
A Kennedy running for Congress is always going to generate a lot of buzz. I’m curious to see if the candidate can leverage his family’s legacy to gain an advantage, or if voters are looking for a fresh perspective.
Positioning himself as a champion for creativity, energy, and political power is an intriguing platform. I’ll be watching to see how the candidate fleshes out his policy ideas, especially around mining, metals, and energy.
A Kennedy running for Congress is always going to generate a lot of attention. I’m curious to see if the candidate can leverage his family’s legacy to gain an advantage, or if voters are looking for a fresh perspective.
Promising to ‘harness the creativity, energy and drive’ of the district is an ambitious goal. I’ll be watching to see how the candidate plans to translate that into specific policy proposals for the mining, metals, and energy industries.
A Kennedy taking on a veteran Democrat in a high-profile race – this is sure to generate a lot of interest and media attention. I wonder how the candidate’s family name and legacy will factor into the campaign.
Promising to ‘harness the creativity, energy and drive’ of the district is an ambitious goal. I’ll be watching to see how the candidate plans to translate that into concrete policy proposals.
This race could have significant implications for the mining, metals, and energy sectors depending on the candidate’s policy positions. I’ll be following the campaign closely to see what he has to say on these key economic issues.
Criticizing the current administration’s approach to the economy and corruption is a bold move that could resonate with voters. It will be interesting to see how the candidate’s messaging plays out.
With a focus on creativity, energy, and political power, this candidate’s platform sounds promising. I’d like to hear more about his specific plans for the mining, metals, and energy sectors.
Criticizing the current administration’s approach to the economy and corruption will be a key part of the challenger’s strategy. It will be interesting to see how he positions himself on these issues.
This race could have significant implications for the mining, metals, and energy industries depending on the candidate’s policy positions. I’ll be following the campaign closely to see what he has to say on these key economic sectors.
Criticizing the current administration’s approach to the economy and corruption is a bold move. It will be interesting to see how the candidate’s messaging resonates with voters in the district.