Jack Schlossberg, a Democratic influencer and grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, has officially entered the race to fill a vacant New York City House seat. This marks another significant step in the ongoing tradition of Kennedy family members entering the political arena. Schlossberg has cultivated a dedicated following on social media in recent years and recently served as a political correspondent at Vogue ahead of the 2024 election. Now, he hopes to parlay his notoriety into a successful campaign for a deep-blue New York House seat being vacated by the dean of New York’s congressional delegation, Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.).
Nadler announced his plans not to seek reelection in September, making his seat open for the next race. Politico reported last week that Schlossberg planned to enter the race, and he made his official announcement on Wednesday. “I’m not running because I have all the answers to our problems,” he said in a video announcement. “I’m running because the people of New York 12 do. I want to listen to your struggles, hear your stories, amplify your voice, go to Washington and execute on your behalf.”
Schlossberg cast his campaign as a cog in the broader Democratic effort to stymie President Donald Trump’s political agenda — and to quash any talk of a third term. “We deserve better, and we can do better, and it starts with the Democratic Party winning back control of the House of Representatives,” he said. “With control of Congress, there’s nothing we can’t do. Without it, we’re helpless to a third term.”
While Schlossberg boasts prodigious skill on social media, alongside more than 1.5 million followers on TikTok and Instagram, he’s far from the favorite in the coming Democratic primary for the House seat. That would be New York Assemblymember Micah Lasher, Nadler’s heir apparent and a key political ally to many in New York. Lasher is considered a strong contender in the race, as he represents the district and has a well-established political network within the state. Schlossberg’s decision to enter the race highlights the growing trend of younger, media-savvy candidates entering the political arena, aiming to reshape the Democratic Party’s future and challenge established figures in both state and national politics.