Democrat Jack Schlossberg Runs for Congress, Vows to "Take the Gloves Off"

The 33-year-old grandson of JFK is out to make a name for himself, running for Congress in New York's 12th District.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Jack Schlossberg, the 33-year-old grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, is running for Congress in New York's 12th district. Schlossberg is determined to establish his own political identity, separate from his famous family name. He has vowed to take an aggressive approach, saying "the time is not now to hold back, sit on your hands and say, 'Hmm, okay. Well, why don't we just play it safe?' Absolutely not! We're gonna get these people out of here."

Why it matters

As a member of the Kennedy political dynasty, Schlossberg faces the challenge of carving out his own political identity while also embracing his family's legacy. His willingness to take a more combative approach to campaigning and politics represents a shift from the traditionally reserved Kennedy style.

The details

Schlossberg is running for the seat of retiring Congressman Jerry Nadler in New York's 12th district. He has amassed a large social media following of over 2 million, using the platform to connect with voters and take jabs at his political opponents. Schlossberg has faced some criticism for posts that have been seen as crossing the line, such as superimposing his face on the child of his opponent's wife. However, Schlossberg defends his tactics, saying "the line has been – first of all, I don't think anyone was seriously thinking that I meant that we did actually have a love child!"

  • Schlossberg announced his candidacy in November 2025, just one month before the death of his sister Tatiana at age 35.
  • Schlossberg's sister Tatiana's wedding was held at the family's home on Martha's Vineyard.

The players

Jack Schlossberg

The 33-year-old grandson of former President John F. Kennedy who is running for Congress in New York's 12th district.

Caroline Kennedy

Schlossberg's mother and one of his most trusted political advisers.

Ed Schlossberg

Schlossberg's father, an artist, who has also provided political advice to his son.

Tatiana Schlossberg

Schlossberg's late sister, who died of cancer at age 35 shortly after he announced his congressional run.

JD Vance

The Republican Vice President whose family Schlossberg has mocked on social media.

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What they’re saying

“People can think whatever they like. But I'm me. I'm Jack Schlossberg. And I'm proud of where I come from. But that's not the only thing about me. I'm my own person, so you can count on me to think for myself.”

— Jack Schlossberg (CBS News)

“My cousin, RFK Jr., tries to pretend that he embodies a progressive agenda, when he's in fact using his last name and lending it to President Trump, who is dismantling everything my family stood for.”

— Jack Schlossberg (CBS News)

“The time is not now to hold back, sit on your hands and say, 'Hmm, okay. Well, why don't we just play it safe?' Absolutely not! We're gonna get these people out of here.”

— Jack Schlossberg (CBS News)

“We need people with that kind of education, and we need people who are really informed and bring a set of values and have the courage to speak up. And I think Jack does all those things.”

— Caroline Kennedy, Schlossberg's mother (CBS News)

“Her wedding was in Martha's Vineyard at my family's house, my grandmother's house there. It was awesome. And her husband, George, is awesome.”

— Jack Schlossberg (CBS News)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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