The congressional campaign of John F. Kennedy's grandson, Jack Schlossberg, has encountered a significant early setback just weeks after its launch. His campaign manager, Annabel Lassally, has confirmed her departure, casting a shadow over the 32-year-old's bid to enter the political arena.
A Crowded Field and an Early Exit
Schlossberg announced his candidacy last month, aiming to secure the Democratic nomination for New York's 12th congressional district. The seat is being vacated by the long-serving 78-year-old Jerrold Nadler, who is retiring after 34 years in office. However, the Kennedy heir faces formidable competition in one of New York City's oldest and wealthiest districts.
The crowded field includes two New York State Assembly members, a city council member, and Parkland school shooting survivor Cameron Kasky. Against this backdrop, the resignation of campaign manager Annabel Lassally, confirmed to Politico last Thursday, represents a rocky start. The precise circumstances of her exit remain unclear.
Campaign Insists 'All Systems Go' Despite Setback
A spokesperson for Schlossberg's campaign sought to project an image of resilience following the news. 'We continue to grow post-launch as the only campaign focused on local issues and progressive policy,' the spokesperson stated. 'We will be announcing our new campaign headquarters very soon. It's all systems go!'
It appears that other key staff members are staying on board. This includes finance director Paige Phillips, a veteran of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's campaign, and Eli Hinerfeld, formerly a deputy campaign manager for New York City Comptroller candidate Justin Brannan. The campaign has pointed to Schlossberg's social media presence, where he boasts some 600,000 followers, as a key asset for breaking through in a packed race.
Controversial Strategy and Family Concerns
Schlossberg has defended his often provocative and unorthodox social media activity as a deliberate strategy. In his campaign announcement on November 11, he argued Democrats need candidates who 'both get policy and know how to break through in new media.' He has referenced videos where he challenged his cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to a fight and made suggestive comments about Second Lady Usha Vance.
'Since I started making videos, people have been calling me crazy, but there's been a strategy and method to what I've been doing,' Schlossberg told The New York Times. He believes such content drives engagement and spreads his political message.
His mother, Caroline Kennedy'too dangerous, too frightening, too crazy' nature of modern politics. Concerns about potential antisemitism, given her son's Jewish heritage through his father Edwin Schlossberg, have also been reported.
Despite the turbulent start, prediction markets suggest the race is far from decided. According to Kalshi, Schlossberg currently holds approximately a 30 percent chance of winning the Democratic primary. His main rival, New York State Assemblyman Micah Lasher, is predicted to have a 71 percent chance, with other candidate Alex Bores at around 10 percent.
