JFK’s Grandson Announces Campaign for NY-12, Vowing to Fight Trump Administration and Champion Democratic Values
A New Generation Steps Forward
In a move that electrifies progressive Democrats and signals generational change in American politics, Jack Schlossberg, the 32-year-old grandson of President John F. Kennedy, announced his candidacy for New York’s 12th Congressional District on Tuesday evening. The Harvard-educated lawyer and Vogue political correspondent is seeking to fill the seat being vacated by Rep. Jerry Nadler, who has served the district for over three decades. Schlossberg’s announcement video, shared across social media platforms where he has cultivated a following of nearly 800,000, marked a departure from his typically provocative online persona. Instead, he delivered a serious and heartfelt message about his commitment to representing Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Upper West Side, and Midtown neighborhoods–the community where he was born and raised. “My name is Jack Schlossberg, and I’m running for Congress to represent my home, New York’s 12th congressional district, where I was born and raised, where I took the bus to school every single day from one side of the district to the other,” Schlossberg said in the video, emphasizing his deep roots in the community.
Fighting Trump From Within Congress
The timing of Schlossberg’s announcement carries particular weight as the nation confronts what he describes as an existential crisis. In his campaign statement, he warned that “America is in crisis” and castigated President Trump for using his power in ways Democrats view as authoritarian. His campaign messaging makes clear that opposition to the Trump administration will be central to his congressional agenda. “Without the control of Congress, there’s almost nothing that we can do,” Schlossberg told supporters, framing the 2026 midterms as critical to checking presidential overreach. This stance creates an intriguing political dynamic within the Kennedy family itself. Schlossberg’s first cousin once removed, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., currently serves as Trump’s Secretary of Health and Human Services–a position that has seen him depart radically from the Kennedy family’s Democratic legacy. According to reporting from MSNBC, if elected, Schlossberg could serve in Congress while his cousin holds a Cabinet position in an administration he fundamentally opposes–a stark illustration of the political divisions within one of America’s most famous political families.
Harnessing District Power
Schlossberg’s campaign emphasizes the unique assets of New York’s 12th District, which he describes as “the best part of the greatest city on Earth.” The district encompasses Central Park and represents the financial and media capital of the world, home to world-class hospitals, schools, restaurants, and museums. “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 declared, articulating a vision of leveraging Manhattan’s extraordinary resources for progressive policy goals. His entry into the race follows Nadler’s announcement that he would not seek reelection after representing the district since 1992. The veteran lawmaker, who played crucial roles in both Trump impeachments and has been a stalwart defender of civil liberties, leaves behind enormous shoes to fill.
Progressive Credentials and Campaign Vision
While Schlossberg’s famous last name opens doors, his campaign is working to establish his credentials beyond his lineage. He graduated from Yale University before earning his law degree from Harvard Law School. His work as a political correspondent for Vogue has given him a platform to comment on pressing issues facing younger Americans, from climate change to economic inequality to threats to democracy. Campaign insiders tell Politico that Schlossberg plans to focus on affordable housing, climate action, healthcare access, and protecting democratic institutions from authoritarian threats. These positions align him squarely with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, though he’s expected to take a pragmatic approach to coalition building. His announcement has already garnered support from prominent progressives who see him as a fresh face capable of energizing younger voters while maintaining the district’s tradition of sending strong Democratic voices to Washington.
The Kennedy Legacy in Modern Context
The Schlossberg candidacy inevitably invites comparisons to his grandfather’s presidency and the broader Kennedy political legacy. JFK’s administration represented an era of idealism and progressive policy ambition, from the Peace Corps to civil rights advancement to space exploration. Schlossberg appears eager to channel that legacy while adapting it to 21st-century challenges. In numerous interviews and social media posts, he has spoken passionately about addressing income inequality, combating climate change with the urgency of a moonshot program, and protecting voting rights as his grandfather once championed civil rights. However, he’s also been careful to establish his own identity, noting that while he’s proud of his family history, he’s running based on his own vision and qualifications. Political analysts quoted in The New York Times suggest this balance–honoring the Kennedy legacy while forging his own path–will be crucial to his success in a district that values both historical continuity and fresh thinking.
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