Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is set to endorse Jack Schlossberg in his campaign for a highly contested U.S. House seat, according to sources knowledgeable about the situation. Schlossberg, who is the grandson of President John F. Kennedy and a cousin of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced his candidacy for the Democratic primary in New York’s 12th Congressional District last November. He is the first direct descendant of JFK to seek elected office.
This congressional seat is currently held by retiring Democratic Representative Jerry Nadler, who has served the New York City district since 1992. Pelosi, a prominent figure in Democratic politics for many years, has remained vocal about her party’s direction, even as she prepares to step away from her leadership role. Recent reports indicate that she expressed strong criticism of some party members during a private meeting, after Democrats on the House Oversight Committee voted to hold Bill and Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress regarding the Jeffrey Epstein inquiry.
Schlossberg, 33, is the youngest child of Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg. In his campaign announcement video, he criticized former President Donald Trump, emphasizing the need for affordability and stating, “We deserve better, and we can do better, and it starts with the Democratic Party winning back control of the House of Representatives.”
The grandson of Kennedy has emerged as a dynamic advocate for reforming the Democratic Party, particularly following its setbacks in the 2024 elections. He has gained attention for his engaging social media presence, believing that his approach to communication will resonate with younger voters. Schlossberg aligns with the progressive wing of the party, advocating for generational change and having previously supported Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayoral race.
The Kennedy legacy in elected office spans three generations, marking a historic family connection to American politics. Unlike some family members, Schlossberg has openly criticized Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom he referred to as “a loser” and a danger to public health and scientific credibility.
In the race for the Democratic nomination for New York’s 12th District, Schlossberg will contend with several significant candidates, including state Assemblymembers Micah Lasher and Alex Bores, as well as noted attorney and Trump detractor George Conway.
Pelosi’s endorsement of Schlossberg may signal a desire for continuity within the Democratic establishment while also embracing the new ideas brought forth by younger, progressive candidates. This storyline illustrates a larger trend within the party as it navigates the challenges of modern politics and aims to engage a broader spectrum of voters.