Nancy Pelosi Endorses JFK's Grandson Jack Schlossberg in Competitive House Race

Schlossberg, who is one of several Democrats hoping to represent New York's 12th Congressional District, said Pelosi "believes we can win"

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi endorsed Jack Schlossberg, the 33-year-old grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, in his bid to join the U.S. House of Representatives. Pelosi praised Schlossberg's ability to "navigate the digital and the classical political worlds" and said he possesses the skills needed to "get things done for people" and "hold President Trump accountable." Schlossberg is running in a competitive Democratic primary race for New York's 12th Congressional District.

Why it matters

Pelosi's endorsement of Schlossberg, a political newcomer, carries significant weight within the Democratic Party and could provide a boost to his campaign. The race for New York's 12th District is seen as a competitive one, with several experienced Democratic candidates vying for the nomination.

The details

Schlossberg, who is the only grandson of former President John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy Onassis, announced his campaign in November 2025. He faces several challengers in the Democratic primary, including New York state Assemblyman Micah Lasher, Gen Z Rhodes Scholar Liam Elkind, New York State Assembly member Alex Bores, and ex-Republican lawyer George Conway.

  • Schlossberg announced his campaign in November 2025.
  • Pelosi endorsed Schlossberg in a letter shared to the candidate's Instagram page on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Nancy Pelosi

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

Jack Schlossberg

The 33-year-old grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, who is running for the U.S. House of Representatives in New York's 12th Congressional District.

Micah Lasher

New York state Assemblyman and one of Schlossberg's competitors in the Democratic primary race.

Liam Elkind

A Gen Z Rhodes Scholar and one of Schlossberg's competitors in the Democratic primary race.

Alex Bores

New York State Assembly member and one of Schlossberg's competitors in the Democratic primary race.

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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 House Speaker (Instagram)

“Jack embodies that tradition. He brings a dynamic energy and optimism to the crucible ahead, but most importantly, Jack possesses a unique ability to navigate the digital and the classical political worlds in ways that can get things done for people — and hold President Trump accountable. Those skills are critical right now, and they are also quite rare.”

— Nancy Pelosi, Former House Speaker (Instagram)

“Speaker Pelosi is a national hero and master legislator — I'm proud to have her support. She's the backbone of the Democratic Party — no one understands Congress like she does.”

— Jack Schlossberg (Instagram)

What’s next

The competitive Democratic primary race for New York's 12th Congressional District will take place in the coming months, with the winner facing off against the Republican nominee in the general election.

The takeaway

Pelosi's endorsement of the young, politically savvy Schlossberg signals the Democratic establishment's belief that he has the potential to connect with voters and deliver results in Congress. The race will be closely watched as a test of the party's ability to appeal to a new generation of leaders.