Nancy Pelosi to Endorse JFK's Grandson for New York House Seat

Jack Schlossberg, 33, announces bid for 12th Congressional District

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi plans to endorse Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of the late President John F. Kennedy, in his run for the competitive House seat representing New York's 12th Congressional District, a source familiar with the matter told NBC News. Schlossberg, an online political commentator and cousin of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced his candidacy in November and will vie for the seat in a crowded Democratic primary in June.

Why it matters

The 12th Congressional District of New York covers the geographical heart of Manhattan, including all of Central Park, and is considered a prime political battleground. Schlossberg's candidacy, backed by the influential Pelosi, could shake up the race and impact the balance of power in the House of Representatives.

The details

Schlossberg, 33, is an attorney, political correspondent, and member of the next generation in the Kennedy family political dynasty. He is running for the seat currently held by Rep. Jerry Nadler, a Democrat, who is retiring. Schlossberg will face a crowded Democratic primary in June, with other candidates including state Assemblymembers Micah Lasher and Alex Bores, as well as conservative lawyer and Trump critic George Conway.

  • Schlossberg announced his candidacy in November 2025.
  • The Democratic primary election in New York's 12th Congressional District is scheduled for June 2026.

The players

Nancy Pelosi

Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and a prominent figure in the Democratic Party.

Jack Schlossberg

33-year-old grandson of the late President John F. Kennedy, an attorney, political commentator, and candidate for New York's 12th Congressional District.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Cousin of Jack Schlossberg and the current U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Jerry Nadler

Incumbent Democratic Congressman representing New York's 12th Congressional District, who is retiring.

Micah Lasher

New York State Assemblymember and candidate for the 12th Congressional District.

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What they’re saying

“We have the best hospitals and schools, restaurants and museums. This is the financial and media capital of the world. 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.”

— Jack Schlossberg, Candidate for New York's 12th Congressional District (Instagram)

What’s next

The Democratic primary election in New York's 12th Congressional District is scheduled for June 2026, where Schlossberg will face off against other candidates in a crowded field.

The takeaway

Schlossberg's candidacy, backed by the influential Pelosi, could shake up the race for New York's 12th Congressional District and impact the balance of power in the House of Representatives. As a member of the Kennedy political dynasty, Schlossberg's campaign will be closely watched as he seeks to continue his family's legacy in national politics.