Jack Kennedy Schlossberg, a descendant of the prominent Kennedy political family, has lost his initial bid for public office. He was defeated Tuesday in the Democratic primary for New York City's 12th Congressional District, a race for the seat vacated by the retirement of Rep. Jerrold Nadler.
Micah Lasher emerged as the top vote-getter in the primary, followed closely by Alex Bores. Both Lasher and Bores are current state lawmakers and had received endorsements from former Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the outgoing Congressman Nadler. Schlossberg finished a distant third, garnering under 11 percent of the vote.
Schlossberg, 33, who has amassed a significant social media following on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, attempted to translate his online popularity into electoral success. Despite his name recognition and public profile, his campaign did not resonate with a majority of voters in the district, which includes parts of Manhattan.
His campaign emphasized a break from traditional political funding, with Schlossberg stating that he would not accept money from Political Action Committees (PACs). This contrasted with his opponents; Alex Bores received $16.4 million in outside spending, and Micah Lasher was backed by $10.6 million.
Schlossberg, a graduate of Harvard and Yale, has been involved in progressive politics and has a background in media, including a recent stint as a political correspondent for Vogue. He previously spoke at the 2024 Democratic National Convention and has been vocal in his criticism of his cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. His campaign had framed his run as a direct challenge to figures like former President Donald Trump, with campaign messages suggesting Trump was motivated by Schlossberg's candidacy.
At his election night watch party, Schlossberg referenced his famous great-grandfather, President John F. Kennedy, adapting his well-known quote. He stated, 'All of us ask not what our country can do,' but added his own sentiment, concluding with, 'but what we can do to help our city.'
Schlossberg is the grandson of President John F. Kennedy and the son of Caroline Kennedy, his only living daughter. His mother, Caroline Kennedy, was present at his election night gathering. The campaign entered the race seeking to represent a district left open by Nadler's long tenure.