Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of President John F. Kennedy, announced Sunday that he has formed an exploratory committee for a run for Congress.
The 32-year-old Democrat is eyeing New York’s 12th Congressional District, which will be an open seat in 2026.
The District
The seat is currently held by Rep. Jerry Nadler, who last week announced he will not seek re-election after more than three decades in Washington.
The district covers parts of Manhattan, including the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, and most of Midtown.
With a Cook Partisan Voting Index of D+33, the district is safely Democratic.
Schlossberg’s Announcement
Schlossberg confirmed his intentions on Instagram and later on X.
He said a poll of his followers overwhelmingly urged him to run, with 91 percent responding in favor.
“Hey guys — have formed an exploratory committee,” he posted Sunday.
Schlossberg is a writer with credits in Vogue, The Washington Post, and Politico.
He has also gained attention for his outspoken criticism of his uncle, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
In recent months, Schlossberg has drawn headlines for odd social media posts, including one comparing Vice President JD Vance’s wife, Usha, to his grandmother Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
The Kennedy heir spoke at last year’s Democratic National Convention and has built ties with party leaders.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer recently tapped him to serve on the America 250 Commission ahead of the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration.
Nadler’s Rebuke
Nadler dismissed Schlossberg’s credentials before announcing his retirement.
“There’s nothing particularly good or bad about a Kennedy holding my seat,” Nadler told CNN.
“But the Kennedy, unlike Schlossberg, should be somebody with a record of public service, a record of public accomplishment, and he doesn’t have one.”
Nadler added: “I don’t think he’s going to be a candidate in the end, and he certainly is not going to be a major candidate.”
If Schlossberg runs, he will likely face a packed Democratic primary.
Potential contenders include former Rep. Carolyn Maloney, state Assemblymen Alex Bores and Tony Simone, city Councilman Erik Bottcher, and actress-activist Cynthia Nixon.
The race is expected to draw national attention given Schlossberg’s family name.
