(The Center Square) — Democrat Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, is running to succeed retiring New York U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler in next year’s midterm elections.
In a video posted on social media Tuesday night, the 32-year-old Schlossberg said he is running for New York’s 12th Congressional District because the country is “at a turning point” and “faces a cost of living, corruption and constitutional crisis.” He said Democrats need to regain control of the House next November to push back against President Donald Trump’s agenda.
“We deserve better, and we can do better, and it starts with the Democratic Party winning back control of the House of Representatives,” he said. “With control of Congress, there’s nothing we can’t do.”
The Kennedy heir, whose campaign gets underway officially on Wednesday, touted his experience as a surrogate for former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris and a speech he gave at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. He also stressed his roots in the congressional district.
“Each generation of Americans is tested. The 2026 midterms is our moment,” Schlossberg posted on social media. “I’m running for Congress because the best part of the greatest city on earth needs to be heard loud and clear in Washington and deserves a representative who won’t back down.”
Schlossberg has been highly critical of Trump and his administration including his mother’s cousin, Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr.. Last month, he posted an image on social media of a Halloween costume for “MAHA Man” in a parody of Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” campaign.
Nadler, 78, is serving out his 17th term in Congress. He announced in September that he won’t seek reelection next year, suggesting that a younger Democratic lawmaker in his seat “can maybe do better, can maybe help us more.”
Schlossberg joins a crowded field of contenders already running for the 12th congressional district seat, which includes Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Upper East Side and midtown. Most are running on the message that it’s time for younger leaders to rebuild the Democratic party.
Nonprofit founder Liam Elkind, 26, entered the race for Nadler’s congressional seat in August. Other candidates include New York State Assembly member Micah Lasher, 43, Alex Bores, 35, journalist and lawyer Jami Floyd, 51. Several other Democrats are considering a bid for the wide open seat.
