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 \u201cwe deserve better.\u201d<\/p>\n
Schlossberg, 32, said he will run to succeed retiring Democratic Representative Jerrold Nadler in New York\u2019s 12th Congressional District, which spans Manhattan\u2019s East and West Sides and Midtown.<\/p>\n
In a post<\/a> on Instagram titled \u201cSCHLOSSBERG 2026,\u201d he shared a series of photos and videos set to the song Barbara Streisand by Duck Sauce, featuring Streisand\u2019s voice saying, \u201cNew York is the place of opportunities. If there\u2019s 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\u2019s New York City.\u201d<\/p>\n In the announcement video, Schlossberg criticized what he called \u201ccronyism not capitalism\u201d and said the country faced \u201ca crisis at every level.\u201d He added, \u201cWe deserve better.\u201d<\/p>\n A separate video<\/a> showed Schlossberg criticizing cuts to federal social programs and alleged government favoritism toward certain industries. He said Democrats must \u201cwin back the House of Representatives\u201d in 2026, adding, \u201chistory is watching this moment.\u201d<\/p>\n Schlossberg\u2019s 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n At the time, Nadler appeared to downplay Schlossberg\u2019s prospects, reportedly saying, \u201cThere\u2019s nothing particularly good or bad about a Kennedy holding my seat\u2026 the Kennedy, unlike Schlossberg, should be somebody with a record of public service, a record of public accomplishment, and he doesn\u2019t have one.\u201d<\/p>\n Schlossberg replied on Instagram, \u201cIt\u2019s okay I don\u2019t mind the untrue attacks!! But that\u2019s what they are, and call me crazy but I\u2019d rather our leaders focus on what TRUMP\u2019S DOING EVERY SINGLE DAY and on ENCOURAGING a new generation of leaders to step up ? You ?\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n