Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of John F. Kennedy Jr., is considering a run for Congress in Manhattan. Political analysts suggest he might actually have a chance in the Democratic primary next year.
At 32, Schlossberg is more recognized for his social media antics than for a serious political career. He impersonates Melania Trump and often takes jabs at his cousin, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., even mimicking some of his speech quirks.
He appears to be eyeing the seat currently held by Rep. Jerina Doler, who recently announced she won’t be running for reelection in 2026.
On social media, Schlossberg has mentioned setting up an exploration committee, though he hasn’t yet filed to officially run.
“He’s waiting to announce until after the mayoral election,” noted a Democratic insider familiar with the situation.
Veteran strategist Hank Sheinkopf believes this strategy is wise. With a crowded field for the upcoming mayoral election, including controversial candidates like Zohran Mamdani against figures like Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams, timing might be critical for Schlossberg’s potential campaign.
“It makes sense,” Sheinkopf said. “Why rush into the mayoral race without knowing how it could impact his positioning?”
In contrast, Schlossberg has expressed that the Democratic Party needs to embrace significant change and believes his unpredictable style could draw attention.
After a recent incident on Jimmy Kimmel’s show regarding a comment on a murdered conservative activist, Schlossberg shared an Instagram video discussing Donald Trump and his influence in the media landscape.
“Democrats need to act fast,” he remarked, emphasizing the urgency of finding a resonant message for voters. “Otherwise, we risk another election without anything to show for it.” He believes time is running short.
However, his trolling approach online has caused some backlash. He’s even sparked chatter among his followers, urging them to reach out for help.
In one of his posts, he joked about his late grandmother, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, questioning whether a vice presidential spouse might be more attractive than her. “Did I go off the deep end? Probably… Time to be serious now,” he commented.
As for the upcoming race, popular Democrat Jerry Nadler’s decision not to seek reelection has opened the door for a new generation, including Schlossberg.
In recent efforts to engage younger voters, he attended a Georgetown University event and launched a YouTube podcast called Test Drive Live, where he interviews political figures from a van.
His first guest was U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, who later appointed him to the United States 250 Committee, which is focused on planning a celebration for the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
On Instagram, Schlossberg polled his followers about his potential run for office. Approximately 90% of those who responded supported the idea, with over 30,700 participants.
Full name John Bouvier Kennedy Schlossberg, he graduated from both Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School in 2022.
Schlossberg is the son of Caroline Kennedy, a former ambassador to Japan and Australia, and his father is artist Edwin Schlossberg. He has two older sisters, Tatiana, a journalist, and Rose, an artist.
Critics, including Nadler, have pointed out that Schlossberg lacks substantial political experience, which could impact his viability as a serious candidate.
A Democratic source noted, “If I were Jack, I’d consider myself a contender. He’s trying to resonate with voters in a unique way compared to other Kennedys.”
Nadler is supporting his political protégé, Mika Rusher, in the upcoming race.
As the list of potential contenders grows, even Chelsea Clinton had floated the idea of running but later backed away from it.
Sheinkopf expressed concerns that Schlossberg’s campaign may not unfold as he hopes, pointing out that being a Kennedy doesn’t automatically translate to electoral success.
He brings enthusiasm and youth to the table, but the question remains if that will be enough, especially given his relatively limited experience.
Schlossberg has spent time working alongside his mother during her tenure as ambassador, showcasing his interest in public service and politics.
