Democrat Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, announced his campaign for Congress this week, declaring that the country is in crisis and that “we deserve better.”
Schlossberg, 32, said he will run to succeed retiring Democratic Representative Jerrold Nadler in New York’s 12th Congressional District, which spans Manhattan’s East and West Sides and Midtown.
In a post on Instagram titled “SCHLOSSBERG 2026,” he shared a series of photos and videos set to the song Barbara Streisand by Duck Sauce, featuring Streisand’s voice saying, “New York is the place of opportunities. If there’s any place in this world that you want to come to, to be able to make it big, or to go after your dreams, it’s New York City.”
In the announcement video, Schlossberg criticized what he called “cronyism not capitalism” and said the country faced “a crisis at every level.” He added, “We deserve better.”
A separate video showed Schlossberg criticizing cuts to federal social programs and alleged government favoritism toward certain industries. He said Democrats must “win back the House of Representatives” in 2026, adding, “history is watching this moment.”
Schlossberg’s campaign launch comes two months after Nadler, a fixture of Manhattan politics for more than three decades, announced his retirement. In September, Schlossberg sparked speculation about a possible run after asking followers in an Instagram poll whether he should seek office. Ninety-one percent said yes, The Dallas Express reported.
At the time, Nadler appeared to downplay Schlossberg’s prospects, reportedly saying, “There’s nothing particularly good or bad about a Kennedy holding my seat… the Kennedy, unlike Schlossberg, should be somebody with a record of public service, a record of public accomplishment, and he doesn’t have one.”
Schlossberg replied on Instagram, “It’s okay I don’t mind the untrue attacks!! But that’s what they are, and call me crazy but I’d rather our leaders focus on what TRUMP’S DOING EVERY SINGLE DAY and on ENCOURAGING a new generation of leaders to step up ? You ?”
Schlossberg, who holds degrees from Yale and Harvard, briefly worked at the State Department and wrote political commentary for Vogue during the 2024 election. He has built a substantial following on social media, where he is known for his blunt political commentary and humor.
In a recent interview, Schlossberg said he believed Democrats must regain control of Congress to address what he called a “cost of living, corruption, and constitutional crisis under President Trump.” He argued that “with control of Congress, there’s nothing we can’t do. Without it, we’re helpless to a third term.”
Schlossberg’s entry adds another high-profile name to a crowded Democratic primary field that already includes state assembly members Micah Lasher and Alex Bores, City Councilman Erik Bottcher, and journalist and attorney Jami Floyd. The race for the June 2026 primary is expected to be closely watched, given the district’s national prominence and the Kennedy family’s enduring influence in Democratic politics.
The 12th District, home to some of New York City’s wealthiest and most politically engaged voters, stretches from Union Square to the top of Central Park. It has long served as a power base for the Democratic establishment in the city.
In his campaign rollout, Schlossberg said his social media fluency and connection to a younger generation could help Democrats “fight back effectively in this new political era.” Whether the Kennedy heir can translate his digital following into real political momentum in Manhattan remains to be seen.