JFK's Grandson Jack Schlossberg Seeks Congress Seat Amid Kennedy Hype
As a Kennedy scion, Jack Schlossberg garnered significant attention when he launched his congressional campaign in New York City late last year. Already a social media star—partly due to his relentless critiques of his cousin, former Trump administration health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—Schlossberg has been a prominent figure in the national Democratic scene, embodying the image of a Kennedy heir.
Kennedy Legacy and TV Show Boost
Now, in a crowded field vying for a prized House seat in Manhattan, Schlossberg possesses a unique advantage: the hit TV series "Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette," which has reignited fervor for the Kennedy clan. Despite the familial connections and excitement surrounding the show, the 33-year-old grandson of former President John F. Kennedy insists that the buzz is organic and not solely based on his lineage.
"They don’t just like me because I’m a Kennedy. Ask them how they feel about RFK Jr.," Schlossberg said. "They like me because of my experience, my ideas, and they trust me because they see what’s going on with their very own eyes."
Criticisms and Campaign Strategy
One major criticism of Schlossberg is his lack of public office experience. However, he has turned this into a strength, positioning himself as an energetic outsider candidate. His substantial online following, he argues, demonstrates his ability to excite young voters and bring fresh ideas to Washington.
Despite his thin political resume, Schlossberg's candidacy has attracted attention and financial support, including an endorsement from Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, a long-time Kennedy backer.
No Love for 'Love Story'
Schlossberg, whose full name is John Bouvier Kennedy Schlossberg, is not a fan of the "Love Story" series, having previously criticized it as a cash grab exploiting his famous family. "I don't watch much TV," he remarked.
Nevertheless, the series became a hit, stoking the enduring mystique of the Kennedy family, especially among younger generations. Locations where his aunt and uncle dined and socialized have drawn viewers, with fans lining up to visit. Recently, a crowd gathered in Washington Square Park for a JFK Jr. look-alike contest, where young men donned suits, backward hats, or rollerblades to mimic his iconic style.
Schlossberg himself has recreated JFK Jr.'s style, posting a photo on his campaign website of himself riding a bike in a suit and tie with a backward cap and a heavy chain bicycle lock around his waist—a look reminiscent of his uncle, posted before the show's debut.
Does the Kennedy Name Still Sway Voters?
George Arzt, a longtime Democratic political consultant in New York City, questions whether the Kennedy family name alone can sway an election. "I don’t think that gets you votes," he said. "People will say 'Who’s Schlossberg?' And they’ll go 'He’s the grandson of JFK.' So? What’s that going to do for me?"
Schlossberg maintains that voters are more interested in his policies than his family ties. He highlights a proposal to make rent payments tax-deductible and defends his professional experience, citing a stint at the State Department's environmental bureau, a joint law and business degree from Harvard, and political opinion pieces he wrote for Vogue.
He also points to his social media presence, which has included zany posts, such as a video of himself in a blonde wig reading a letter from former first lady Melania Trump to Russian President Vladimir Putin. "I’m the only one who has engaged millions of people on a progressive and aggressive political message," he said. "I’m not just an influencer who’s hawking products. I make informative videos."
A Crowded Primary Field
Schlossberg faces stiff competition in the June primary, which typically decides the outcome in this safely Democratic district. The current representative, U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler, who is retiring, has endorsed his former aide Micah Lasher, a state Assemblymember with extensive experience in New York politics, positioning himself as a seasoned, serious candidate.
"The voters of this district are highly informed voters. They do their homework before they make their decisions," Lasher said.
State Assemblymember Alex Bores is also running, securing local endorsements, including support from former U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney, who represented parts of the district for decades before redistricting led to her losing her seat to Nadler.
George Conway, once married to former Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway and now a vocal antagonist of the former president, entered the race earlier this year as a Democrat. Conway, a lawyer who helped create the anti-Trump Lincoln Project, acknowledges Schlossberg's advantage due to his family name and the "Love Story" hype but believes voters will ultimately prefer someone with more experience.
"There's something very appealing about a young, fresh face, and I think he's very smart to play that up," Conway said. "But I also think there's something to be said for an older, experienced fresh face, and that's what I'm trying to be."
