Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of former President John F. Kennedy and a prominent online commentator, declared his candidacy for the United States House of Representatives late Tuesday. He is running for the seat being vacated by long-serving Rep. Jerry Nadler in New York's 12th Congressional District.
A Campaign Launched on Social Media
In a campaign video posted to his Instagram account, the 32-year-old Yale graduate outlined the core issues driving his political bid. Schlossberg strongly condemned what he described as a "cost of living crisis," a "constitutional crisis," and a "corruption crisis" stemming from the administration of former President Donald Trump. He placed immense importance on Democrats regaining control of the House of Representatives, stating, "With control of Congress, there’s nothing we can’t do. Without it, we’re helpless to a third term."
The district he hopes to represent includes Manhattan's Upper West Side, Upper East Side, and midtown areas. Schlossberg expressed his belief that the area "should have a representative who can harness the creativity, energy and drive of this district and translate that into political power in Washington."
A Provocative Voice in the Political Arena
Schlossberg, known as "jackuno" on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, has built a reputation for his sharp and often controversial commentary. He has been a frequent and vocal critic of his cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom he branded an "antisemite" and a "lying sack of shit" during Kennedy's Senate confirmation hearing for Health Secretary earlier this year.
His online activities have also repeatedly targeted Donald Trump and his associates. In one skit, he mocked former First Lady Melania Trump by wearing a cheap-looking wig and imitating her Slovenian accent. More recently, this month, he blasted actor Julia Fox for "glorifying political violence" after she dressed as a bloody Jackie Kennedy for Halloween.
Emphasizing Modern Communication Skills
Following his official announcement, Schlossberg participated in an interview with MSNBC where he suggested the Democratic Party needs candidates "who know how to communicate." He elaborated on the challenges of the current media environment, saying, "New media is completely polluted and the air is dirty. I figured out a way to breathe in that environment, and we need to elect candidates who understand how to do that, and I think that’s what makes me an effective representative."
Despite his focus on new media, his first major media appearance as a candidate was a traditional interview with Maureen Dowd in The New York Times, accompanied by a stylized, 1960s-inspired video of him walking around the city. In that interview, he acknowledged his divisive online persona, noting, "I’m not for everybody," in reference to his posts.
Schlossberg enters a crowded field of candidates hoping to succeed the retiring Jerry Nadler. Nadler, 78, was first elected to Congress in 1992 and announced his decision not to seek re-election in September, indicating it was time for a generational change within the party. Nadler told The New York Times that watching the situation with President Biden highlighted the "necessity for generational change in the party."
