Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of John F. Kennedy, will officially kick off his campaign on Wednesday to succeed retiring Representative Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) in New York’s 12th Congressional District. He shared the announcement via email with his supporters.
“We have an exciting update for you. Tomorrow, November 12th, we are officially launching Jack for New York!!” Schlossberg, who has a somewhat controversial reputation, noted in a message sent out on Tuesday.
The 32-year-old had hinted in September about forming a committee to pursue the New York City Council seat held by Nadler, who will not run for an 18th term in 2026.
“We have been working hard here and can’t wait to get the campaign into full swing,” he mentioned.
His campaign website, featuring the slogan “New York’s New Generation of Leadership,” was already live as of Tuesday night.
“Each generation of Americans is being tested. The 2026 midterm elections are our time,” reads a blurb on the site. “I’m running for Congress because the best parts of the greatest city on earth need to be heard loud and clear in Washington, and they deserve representation who won’t back down.”
Known for his outspoken nature on social media, Schlossberg has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration and has also targeted his cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is the Health Secretary. Earlier this year, he commented on RFK Jr.’s speech difficulties due to a condition known as Spasmodic Dysphonia.
He’s made headlines for other comments as well, claiming that Usha, who is married to Vice President J.D. Vance, is ‘hotter’ than his late grandmother, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. He made offbeat remarks about various politicians, including a rather bizarre comment about a conservative pundit needing to hydrate.
Schlossberg, son of former U.S. Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, garnered attention last year when he served as Vogue’s political correspondent and was given a chance to speak at the Democratic National Convention.
“I think this district needs someone who knows how to effectively fight back in this new political era that we live in,” he said regarding his qualifications.
Mr. Nadler had previously cast doubt on Schlossberg’s candidacy for New York’s 12th District, suggesting that it’s not necessarily a good thing for someone from the Kennedy family to hold his seat without a proven public service record.
He further indicated that while Schlossberg might not be considered a major candidate, other significant contenders are expected to enter the race.
Schlossberg is likely to face stiff competition from other Democratic hopefuls, such as state Rep. Mika Lasher, who is seen as a supporter of Nadler, and Liam Elkind, a 26-year-old nonprofit leader who has openly criticized Nadler for not being energetic enough to lead the party in the current political landscape.
At the time of this posting, Schlossberg’s campaign did not provide a comment on the situation.
