Pelosi to Endorse Jack Schlossberg, Again Backing a Kennedy for Congress

The former speaker is making a rare foray into a crowded Democratic primary in New York's 12th Congressional District.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 11:31am

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Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi is planning to endorse Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of John F. Kennedy, in his run for a hotly contested House seat in New York City. Mr. Schlossberg is one of many Democrats vying to be the party's nominee in the race to represent New York's 12th Congressional District. Ms. Pelosi, who is retiring from Congress next January, will be the most high-profile endorsement so far for any candidate.

Why it matters

Ms. Pelosi's endorsement of a Kennedy is a rare move, as she typically stays out of Democratic primaries. However, she has made an exception before, endorsing Joseph P. Kennedy III in the 2020 Democratic primary against Senator Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts. This endorsement could provide a significant boost to Mr. Schlossberg's campaign in the crowded primary.

The details

Mr. Schlossberg, 33, announced in November that he was entering the race to succeed Representative Jerry Nadler, who had said he would retire after 34 years in Congress. Mr. Nadler, the former chairman of the House Judiciary Committee who led two impeachment efforts against President Trump, endorsed a longtime confidant, Micah Lasher, in September. Mr. Schlossberg, who is also the cousin of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is one of many Democrats vying to be the party's nominee in the race to represent New York's 12th Congressional District.

  • Mr. Schlossberg announced his candidacy in November 2025.
  • Representative Jerry Nadler said he would retire after 34 years in Congress.
  • Mr. Nadler endorsed Micah Lasher, a longtime confidant, in September 2025.

The players

Nancy Pelosi

A California Democrat who is retiring from Congress next January and is a prodigious fund-raiser and shrewd campaign strategist.

Jack Schlossberg

A 33-year-old online political commentator and the grandson of John F. Kennedy, who is running for a House seat in New York's 12th Congressional District.

Jerry Nadler

The former chairman of the House Judiciary Committee who led two impeachment efforts against President Trump and is retiring after 34 years in Congress.

Micah Lasher

A 44-year-old in his first term in the state assembly who has spent much of his career in Democratic politics and was endorsed by Representative Nadler to succeed him.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The Health and Human Services Secretary and cousin of Jack Schlossberg.

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What they’re saying

“This is a consequential moment for the country — faith in our politics is fractured and trust in government is tenuous. This moment calls for leaders who understand the stakes and how to deliver for the people they serve.”

— Nancy Pelosi, Former Speaker of the House

“This is a shot of adrenaline, a lot like what I felt when she ripped up the president's State of the Union last term.”

— Jack Schlossberg

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This endorsement highlights the continued influence of the Kennedy political dynasty and Pelosi's willingness to intervene in high-profile Democratic primaries, even as she prepares to retire from Congress. It remains to be seen whether Schlossberg's youth, social media savvy, and famous last name will be enough to overcome the establishment support for Lasher in this crowded primary.