Cameron Kasky, a prominent survivor of the 2018 Parkland high school shooting, has officially entered the political arena with a congressional campaign announcement on Tuesday. The 25-year-old activist declared his intention to represent New York's 12th Congressional District, positioning himself as a champion for progressive policies that benefit everyday Americans.
From Tragedy to Political Action
In his launch video shared across social media platforms, Kasky directly addressed the economic struggles facing ordinary citizens. "You and your family are working all week just to spend most of your paycheck on rent and health care," he stated, contrasting this reality with what he described as government priorities favoring wealthy interests over public needs.
The activist didn't mince words when criticizing current spending priorities, asserting that while Americans are told they can't afford social housing and Medicare for All, the country somehow finds funds for what he called "genocide, Palantir mass surveillance contracts and ICE thugs."
Kasky's political awakening came tragically during his junior year at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, when a mass shooting on February 14, 2018, claimed 17 lives and injured 18 others. The survivor emphasized that the tragedy didn't occur despite American systems but because of them, shaping his determination to seek systemic change through political engagement.
Building on Activist Foundations
Following the Parkland tragedy, Kasky emerged as a leading voice in the gun control movement. He co-founded Never Again MSD, a student-led political organization dedicated to advocating for stricter gun laws. Along with fellow survivors and Everytown for Gun Safety, the group organized the massive March For Our Lives protest that mobilized communities nationwide against gun violence.
His political questioning began early, as evidenced by a clip included in his announcement video showing then-17-year-old Kasky confronting Senator Marco Rubio about his acceptance of National Rifle Association funding. Rubio's response that he would "always accept the help of anyone who agrees with my agenda" highlighted the political dynamics Kasky now seeks to challenge.
Kasky joins other Parkland survivors who have transitioned to political roles, including David Hogg, who recently served as co-vice chair of the Democratic National Convention before being ousted in June over disagreements about bringing younger politicians into primary races against established incumbents.
A Progressive Platform for Change
In an interview with Vanity Fair published alongside his announcement, Kasky identified as a Democratic socialist but clarified that he's not running primarily on his youth. Instead, he's building his campaign around specific policy positions including opposing artificial intelligence, supporting Medicare for All, abolishing ICE, and ending the war in Gaza.
The congressional candidate framed 2026 as "the year of the outsider," suggesting that traditional candidate qualifications like Ivy League education or political experience matter less to voters than genuine conviction and willingness to fight for beliefs.
Kasky enters a crowded field for New York's 12th District seat, which became open when Representative Jerry Nadler announced in September that he wouldn't seek reelection. The race already includes notable figures like Jack Schlossberg, grandson of President John F. Kennedy, creating a diverse field of candidates spanning generations and political backgrounds.
In his closing appeal, Kasky acknowledged the financial disadvantage he faces compared to established politicians, noting that while his opponents have "very rich friends," he must rely on grassroots support to fuel his campaign for Congress.
