Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, has officially declared his candidacy for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, aiming to represent New York’s 12th Congressional District, which will be vacated by retiring Democratic Representative Jerry Nadler. At 32 years old, Schlossberg is a lawyer and has gained recognition for his substantial social media presence, with 1.6 million followers. In a campaign launch video, he articulated concerns about the current political climate, describing it as a crisis at multiple levels, particularly due to the actions of former President Donald Trump, whom he accuses of undermining civil rights and consolidating power across government branches.

Schlossberg emphasized the necessity for Democrats to regain control of Congress to counter what he termed 'historic cuts' to essential services, including healthcare, education, and childcare. He stated, 'With control of Congress, there’s nothing we can’t do. Without it, we’re helpless to a third term.' This campaign marks his first full-time employment since graduating from Harvard Law School in 2022.

Previously, Schlossberg served as a political correspondent for Vogue, contributing a limited number of articles. His social media content has included controversial impersonations and comments that have faced criticism. He has also publicly condemned his cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is the Secretary of Health and Human Services, labeling him a 'dangerous person' for allegedly spreading misinformation regarding public health, which has contributed to crises such as a recent measles outbreak in the U.S.

The political environment surrounding Schlossberg's candidacy is notable, as his mother, Caroline Kennedy, has expressed concerns for his safety amid increasing hostility in politics. His campaign is expected to face competition from other Democratic candidates, including New York State Assembly member Micah Lasher. Nadler's retirement has sparked discussions within the Democratic Party about the need for new leadership, particularly from younger representatives. Schlossberg has previously expressed admiration for Barack Obama and has participated in Democratic Party events, including a speech at the 2024 Democratic National Convention endorsing Kamala Harris.