Nancy Pelosi to Endorse JFK Grandson Jack Schlossberg in Crowded New York Primary
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 85, is set to endorse Jack Schlossberg, the 33-year-old grandson of President John F. Kennedy, in the Democratic primary for New York's 12th congressional district, according to insider reports. Pelosi's endorsement, planned for public announcement on Sunday, marks the most high-profile show of support in the race to date, as she believes Schlossberg's candidacy will help Democrats win nationwide.
A Historic Candidacy with High-Profile Backing
Jack Schlossberg, a social media star with a substantial online following, is the first direct descendant of JFK to run for elected office. He is seeking to replace Democratic Representative Jerry Nadler, 78, who is retiring after 34 years in Congress, prompting a competitive primary. In a statement reported by The New York Times, Pelosi emphasized that this moment calls for leaders who understand the stakes and can deliver for the people they serve.
Schlossberg responded to Pelosi's endorsement with enthusiasm, calling her a hero and describing her support as feeling like a shot of adrenaline. He humorously compared it to the energy he felt when Pelosi famously ripped up former President Donald Trump's State of the Union speech in 2020.
Pelosi's Praise and Nadler's Reservations
According to The New York Post, Pelosi highlighted Schlossberg's passion for solving problems and his unique ability to engage and inspire young people, noting incredible excitement around his candidacy. However, outgoing Representative Jerry Nadler has declined to endorse Schlossberg, stating that his successor should have a record of public service and accomplishment, which he believes Schlossberg lacks.
Pelosi, who is retiring from Congress next January but remains vastly influential in the Democratic Party, views Schlossberg's campaign as a strategic move to bolster Democratic prospects across the country. Her endorsement adds significant weight to a primary that includes notable candidates such as former Republican and Trump critic George Conway and Parkland school shooting survivor Cameron Kasky, who could become the youngest member of Congress if elected.
Schlossberg's Background and Campaign Vision
Schlossberg announced his candidacy in November, aiming to represent New York's 12th congressional district, the wealthiest in the state, which encompasses large swathes of Manhattan. He told The New York Times that the district needs someone who knows how to fight effectively in this new political era. Gaining viral fame as a liberal heartthrob, Schlossberg has amassed over 179,000 followers on X, 827,000 on Instagram, and 863,000 on TikTok through posts featuring shirtless photos, ballet practice, hoverboarding, and poetry readings.
If elected, Schlossberg would become the seventh member of the Kennedy family to serve in Congress, following in the footsteps of JFK, RFK, Ted Kennedy, Joseph P. Kennedy II, Patrick J. Kennedy, and Joseph P. Kennedy III. His mother is Caroline Kennedy, who was five years old when her father, JFK, died in 1963, and his father is Edwin Schlossberg. He is also a cousin of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom he previously criticized as a rabid dog during the Trump administration.
Political Commentary and Family Legacy
Schlossberg has not shied away from political commentary, recently taking aim at former President Trump on social media. He wrote on X that Trump can try to kill JFK, but JFK is kept alive by people rising up to remove Trump, bring him to justice, and restore freedoms. This statement underscores his campaign's focus on progressive values and opposition to Trump-era policies.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Schlossberg's campaign and Pelosi's office for further comment, but responses are pending. As the primary heats up, Pelosi's endorsement could be a game-changer in a race that blends political legacy with modern social media influence, setting the stage for a dynamic contest in one of New York's most prominent districts.
