Jack Schlossberg Announces Congressional Run for 2026
John “Jack” Schlossberg, the grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, revealed his plans to run for Congress in 2026. At 32, Schlossberg is vying for a seat in New York’s 12th congressional district, which is currently held by Representative Jerry Nadler, who will retire next year. If elected, Schlossberg would represent areas including Midtown and the Upper East and West Sides.
In a candid statement, Schlossberg mentioned that his campaign is a response to the economic policies put forth by Republicans and former President Donald Trump. He criticized initiatives like Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” claiming it has resulted in a “cost of living crisis” and cuts to essential social programs that families depend on.
“We deserve better, and we can do better, and it starts with the Democratic Party winning back control of the House of Representatives,” Schlossberg shared on Instagram. He added that controlling Congress is crucial for enacting change.
Although Trump acknowledged he cannot run for a third term, Schlossberg expressed that the nation faces multiple crises. He emphasized the need for representation that can channel the local energy and creativity into political action.
In his campaign video, he stated, “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.” He also told The New York Times that without congressional control, the party struggles to tackle issues like living costs, corruption, and the constitutional crisis at hand.
In a notable interview with MSNBC, Schlossberg described his cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as a “dangerous person” currently serving in a key health position. He criticized Trump for what he sees as an obsession with the Kennedy legacy.
“[Trump] has a rabid dog in his cabinet,” Schlossberg remarked, referring to his cousin. “He’s spreading lies and misinformation.”
In response, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed Schlossberg’s comments as ridiculous, arguing that Kennedy is effectively promoting transparency in healthcare.
This announcement comes shortly after another New York Millennial, Zohran Mamdani, won the mayoral race. Schlossberg pointed out their shared goal of authenticity and community engagement.
“If Zohran Mamdani and I have anything in common, it’s that we are both trying to be authentic versions of ourselves,” Schlossberg explained.
So far, Schlossberg has made a name for himself as a social media figure, known for his engaging and quirky posts. One of his notable thoughts, which gained traction online, discussed Jesus Christ’s body type.
“Jesus was thin. Most popular guy of all time — not jacked. Toned, but not big. So my question is — did Jesus want to put on muscle but couldn’t? Or was he lean on purpose?” he mused in a post that attracted millions of views.
