Jack Schlossberg, grandson of President John F. Kennedy, announced he is running for Congress in New York’s 12th congressional district in the 2026 elections. The announcement comes as longtime Rep. Jerry Nadler plans to step down after more than 30 years in office. In an Instagram post yesterday, Schlossberg outlined his campaign priorities, including addressing economic challenges and policies he says have contributed to rising living costs for American families.
“We deserve better, and we can do better, and it starts with the Democratic Party winning back control of the House of Representatives,” Schlossberg said in a press release, signaling his goal to strengthen the Democratic presence in Congress. He criticized recent Republican-led legislative efforts, including a measure dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill” by former President Donald Trump, noting that it would result in cuts to social programs supporting working families in areas such as health care, education, and child care, according to ABC7NY.
Known for his social media engagement and outspoken views, including criticisms of family members such as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Schlossberg has been active in Democratic circles. He has served as a spokesperson for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, making appearances at the most recent Democratic National Convention. Schlossberg’s academic background, as a Yale and Harvard alumnus, further contributes to his profile and appeal among educated and politically engaged voters.
Nadler’s retirement has opened the field to a new generation of Democratic candidates. Schlossberg, as per The Guardian, aims to channel the “creativity, energy and drive” of New York’s 12th district into political influence in Washington. As Democrats prepare for the 2026 midterm elections, maintaining legislative control is seen as crucial to countering the Republican agenda. “There is nothing our party can’t do to address costs of living, corruption and the constitutional crisis that we’re in,” Schlossberg told The New York Times. “But without the control of Congress, there’s almost nothing that we can do.”
Following the recent election of New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani as New York City mayor, Schlossberg’s campaign aligns with a broader trend of younger leadership shaping the city’s political scene. “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 and communicate with people in New York City and be present and show up for people,” Schlossberg told The Guardian.
