Jack Schlossberg, the 32-year-old grandson of President John F. Kennedy, announced Tuesday his intention to seek the Democratic nomination for New York’s 12th Congressional District, currently held by retiring Representative Jerry Nadler.
The announcement comes as Nadler, who has served in Congress since 1992, prepares to step down from his position representing Manhattan’s West Side and parts of Brooklyn. Schlossberg officially launched his campaign Wednesday morning, though he began making his case to voters through a campaign video released late Tuesday evening.
“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,” Schlossberg stated in his announcement video.
The young Kennedy scion made opposition to President Donald Trump a central theme of his campaign launch, characterizing the current administration’s actions as both corrupt and constitutionally problematic. Schlossberg accused the president of using his office for personal financial gain and undermining the separation of powers that has long defined American governance.
“It’s a corruption crisis,” Schlossberg declared. “The president has made almost a billion dollars this year. He’s picking winners and losers from inside the Oval Office. It’s cronyism, not capitalism.”
He continued his critique by addressing what he termed a “constitutional crisis,” asserting that Trump exercises excessive control over all three branches of government. Schlossberg further claimed the administration has worked to suppress civil rights and silence critics.
This marks Schlossberg’s first run for public office, though he has maintained a public profile through his criticism of the Trump administration over recent years. The Harvard Law School graduate has built a following through his political commentary and advocacy work.
The 12th District seat represents one of the most reliably Democratic constituencies in the nation, encompassing portions of Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Hell’s Kitchen, Greenwich Village, and parts of Brooklyn. Nadler’s retirement creates an open seat that is expected to draw multiple Democratic candidates in what will likely be a competitive primary.
Schlossberg enters the race carrying the weight of one of America’s most storied political dynasties. His grandfather’s legacy remains powerful within Democratic circles, particularly in New York, where the Kennedy name has long held considerable influence.
The campaign ahead will test whether Schlossberg can translate family legacy and social media presence into electoral success. He faces the challenge of distinguishing himself in a crowded field while addressing constituent concerns that extend beyond national politics to local issues affecting one of the nation’s most complex urban districts.
As this race develops, voters in New York’s 12th District will determine whether they are ready to send another Kennedy to Washington, and whether Schlossberg’s message of opposition to the current administration resonates sufficiently to carry him through what promises to be a vigorous primary contest.
Related: Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Project Advances Under Trump Energy Initiative
