Jack Schlossberg, the 32-year-old grandson of President John F. Kennedy, has launched a congressional campaign for New York’s 12th district, positioning himself as a Democratic challenger to former President Donald Trump’s policies and aiming to fill the seat of retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler.
Schlossberg announced his candidacy late on Tuesday, November 12, 2025, through a video posted on Instagram and other social media platforms. In the video, he emphasized his lifelong connection to the district, stating, “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.” The seat is currently held by Nadler, who announced his retirement in September after serving since 1992, creating an open race for the 2026 election.
The district encompasses the heart of Manhattan, including Central Park and neighborhoods from Greenwich Village to Harlem, making it one of the most influential and diverse areas in New York City. Schlossberg described it as “the financial and media capital of the world” and argued that it needs a representative who can “harness the creativity, energy and drive of this district and translate that into political power in Washington.” He highlighted the area’s strengths, such as top hospitals, schools, restaurants, and museums, underscoring its potential for national impact.
Central to his campaign is opposition to Trump and Republican policies. Schlossberg criticized Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” claiming it has exacerbated a cost-of-living crisis and led to historic cuts in social programs that working families rely on, such as healthcare, education, and childcare. He asserted, “We deserve better, and we can do better, and it starts with the Democratic Party winning back control of the House of Representatives.” Without Democratic control, he warned, the party would be “helpless to a third term,” alluding to Trump’s political ambitions, though Trump has since indicated he cannot run again.
Schlossberg has been an active Democrat, serving as a surrogate for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, and speaking at the Democratic National Convention. He has also used his social media presence to rail against Trump and Republicans, and has publicly criticized his cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a former HHS secretary and anti-vaccine activist, whom he accused in 2023 of “trading in on Camelot, celebrity conspiracy theories and conflict for personal gain and fame.” This internal family dynamic adds a layer of intrigue to his political entry.
Educated at Yale University, where he earned a degree in history, and Harvard University, where he obtained a law degree and an MBA, Schlossberg brings a blend of academic and professional experience. In July 2024, he joined Vogue as a political correspondent for the presidential election, showcasing his engagement with media and politics. His background positions him as a candidate with both elite credentials and practical insights into contemporary issues.
His campaign focuses on leveraging the district’s resources to address national challenges, emphasizing the need for strong Democratic leadership to counter Trump’s influence. Schlossberg aims to translate local energy into effective policy-making, with a focus on issues like healthcare, education, and childcare. He believes that the district’s unique attributes require a representative capable of advocating for progressive values in Congress.
The open seat race is expected to be competitive, with Schlossberg’s entry drawing attention due to his Kennedy lineage. His candidacy could signal a revival of the family’s political dynasty in an era dominated by Trump, and the 2026 primary will test his ability to connect with voters in a high-stakes environment. As the campaign unfolds, it may highlight broader themes of Democratic strategy and the enduring appeal of political legacies.
