Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of President John F. Kennedy, has announced plans to run for Congress, continuing the legacy of one of America’s most historic political families. The 32-year-old son of Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg revealed his first bid for public office in an email to supporters.
Schlossberg is seeking the Democratic nomination for the Manhattan seat in the U.S. House of Representatives being vacated by retiring Democrat Jerrold Nadler. The 12th congressional district seat already has a crowded field of candidates.
A political commentator and writer, Schlossberg has published work in outlets such as The Washington Post, Politico, and Time magazine. Nadler, 78, announced his retirement in September after more than 30 years in the House, noting a growing call within the party for younger leadership.
Schlossberg’s decision comes as Democrats aim to regain control of the House in the 2026 midterm elections, hoping to strengthen their ability to influence legislation under Republican President Donald Trump. He told the media, “There is nothing our party can’t do to address costs of living, corruption and the constitutional crisis that we’re in. But without the control of Congress, there’s almost nothing that we can do.”
As the only grandson of JFK, who was assassinated in 1963, Schlossberg gained public attention during the second night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. He gave a speech endorsing then-Vice President Kamala Harris for president.
Schlossberg has also voiced critiques of his cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was appointed by Trump as secretary of health and human services despite controversial positions on vaccines and health policy. His family history is marked by tragedy, with his uncle Robert F. Kennedy assassinated in 1968 shortly after winning the California Democratic primary.
His congressional run follows the rise of other young New York leaders, such as Zohran Mamdani, 34, the state assemblyman recently elected as mayor of New York City. Like Mamdani, Schlossberg is active on social media, with more than 830,000 followers on TikTok.
“If Zohran Mamdani and I have anything in common, it’s that we are both trying to be authentic versions of ourselves and meet people where they are and communicate with people in New York City and be present and show up for people,” Schlossberg said.
The Manhattan congressional race is expected to draw national attention, with Schlossberg’s high-profile family background and media presence adding to the spotlight. His campaign signals a younger generation of Democrats seeking to reshape leadership in the House of Representatives while honoring the Kennedy family legacy.
