Jack Schlossberg, the only grandson of the late President John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy Onassis, announced Tuesday night that he’s running for U.S. Congress. The 32-year-old Democrat will seek to represent New York’s 12th Congressional District, marking the first time a direct descendant of JFK has pursued elected office.
Schlossberg is aiming to win the seat being vacated by longtime Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler, who announced his retirement in September after serving 17 teams in Congress. The district encompasses Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Upper West Side, and Midtown sections, representing one of the nation’s wealthiest and most heavily Democratic areas.
In a video posted to Instagram, Schlossberg emphasized his deep connection to the district. “I’m running for Congress to represent my home, New York’s 12th congressional district, where I was born and raised, where I took the bus to school every single day from one side of the district to the other,” he stated.
The announcement comes at a critical juncture for Democrats. Schlossberg said the country “is at a turning point” and in the midst of a cost of living, corruption and constitutional crisis under President Trump. He positioned his run as part of a broader effort to help Democrats recapture control of the House in the 2026 midterm elections.
“With control of Congress, there’s nothing we can’t do. Without it, we’re helpless to a third term,” Schlossberg said, referencing Trump’s rhetoric about running for a third presidential term despite constitutional limitations.
Despite his famous lineage, Schlossberg brings limited political experience to the race. He completed undergraduate studies in history at Yale University and received a law degree and master’s of business administration degree from Harvard University. In July 2024, he joined Vogue as a political correspondent.
However, Schlossberg believes his understanding of modern media gives him an advantage. “In this toxic polluted media environment we are in — I breathe that air,” he told CNN, noting that his viral social media videos demonstrate his ability to connect with younger generations.
The Kennedy scion faces a crowded Democratic primary field. New York State assemblymen Micah Lasher, 43, and Alex Bores, 35, journalist and lawyer Jami Floyd, 51, and non-profit founder Liam Elkind, 26, are also in the race. West Side City Council member Erik Bottcher, 46, also filed to run in October.
Interestingly, Nadler told CNN in September that Schlossberg “is not going to be a major candidate” to replace him in Congress. Despite this assessment, Schlossberg appears undeterred, positioning himself as a representative of generational change within the Democratic Party.
Online and in media appearances, Schlossberg has aligned himself with the young, progressive wing of the Democratic Party pressing for generational change. His campaign announcement emphasized the need for fresh leadership to address pressing issues facing constituents.
“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.