Jack Schlossberg Launches Campaign for New York’s 12th Congressional District Amid Crowded Field

Jack Schlossberg Steps Into the Political Arena of NY-12

Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of $1 John F. Kennedy, announced his bid for Congress in New York’s 12th Congressional District in November 2025, setting off a flurry of speculation and excitement across Manhattan. Schlossberg’s candidacy instantly drew attention—not just because of his famous lineage, but because of the unique blend of neighborhoods and interests that define NY-12.

“My name is Jack Schlossberg, and I’m running for Congress to represent my home, New York’s 12th congressional district, where I was born and raised, where I took the bus to school every single day from one side of the district to the other,” Schlossberg shared in his launch video. He referenced his roots in the district, and his years at the Collegiate School on the Upper West Side, framing his campaign around deep local ties and a promise to channel the district’s vibrancy into national political influence. Town & Country reported that Schlossberg’s announcement was met with curiosity and skepticism from both voters and established politicians.

NY-12: A District of Contrasts and Influence

New York’s 12th Congressional District is a microcosm of Manhattan’s diversity. It encompasses the Upper West Side, the Upper East Side, and all of Midtown. These neighborhoods pulse with contrasting energies: Chelsea’s creative spirit, Gramercy Park’s tranquility, Hell’s Kitchen’s grit, and the bustling business core of Midtown. The area is home to a mix of families, professionals, artists, and entrepreneurs.

Since 2023, the district has been represented by Jerry Nadler, a seasoned lawmaker who has spent decades in Congress. Nadler’s hold on the district was solidified in the 2024 election, where he won an overwhelming 80% of the vote. However, the political winds in NY-12 are always shifting. In the recent mayoral election, the district split its support between former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, reflecting both traditional and progressive leanings among its residents. The Upper East Side leaned heavily toward Cuomo, while the Upper West Side favored Mamdani. Neighborhoods like Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, Hudson Yards, and Gramercy Park mostly sided with Mamdani, but Midtown, Murray Hill, and Flatiron preferred Cuomo.

A Crowded Field: Challengers and Political Dynamics

Schlossberg’s entry into the race adds a new dimension to an already crowded field. Other candidates include Assemblymen Micah Lasher and Alex Bores, journalist and lawyer Jami Floyd, non-profit founder Liam Elkind, and West Side City Council member Erik Bottcher. Each candidate brings their own brand of experience and vision to the contest.

Nadler, whose political career has spanned decades, responded to Schlossberg’s announcement with characteristic candor. “Well, there’s nothing particularly good or bad about a Kennedy holding my seat. But the Kennedy, unlike Schlossberg, should be something with a record of public service, a record of public accomplishment, and he doesn’t have one. And so, I don’t think he’s going to be a candidate in the end, and he certainly is not going to be a major candidate,” Nadler said, as reported by Town & Country. He went on to highlight Lasher’s credentials, pointing to his past work as an aide and chief of policy for the governor, and his experience in the Bloomberg administration.

Despite skepticism from some established voices, Schlossberg is betting that voters in NY-12 are hungry for fresh leadership—someone who not only understands the district’s challenges but also feels them personally. His campaign emphasizes harnessing the district’s “creativity, energy and drive” and translating those qualities into effective political advocacy in Washington.

What’s at Stake for NY-12?

The significance of NY-12 goes far beyond its geographic boundaries. Manhattan’s heart is home to some of the most influential businesses, cultural institutions, and advocacy groups in the country. Decisions made by its congressional representative ripple outward, touching everything from national policy on housing and transit to cultural funding and economic development.

Recent elections have shown that voters in NY-12 are engaged and opinionated, willing to shift their allegiances based on issues and candidate profiles rather than party loyalty alone. The split in the mayoral race underscored the district’s ideological diversity and the importance of candidates speaking directly to local concerns.

As the campaign season heats up, candidates are likely to focus on core issues: affordability, public safety, transit, and climate resilience. Schlossberg has positioned himself as a listener, stating, “I’m not running because I have all the answers to our problems. I’m running because the people of New York 12 do.” His message is one of empowerment, suggesting that real solutions come from the community itself.

The Road Ahead: Campaigns, Endorsements, and Voter Sentiment

With the primary months away, the field remains fluid. Nadler has said he’ll make an “endorsement in due course,” and other major candidates are expected to ramp up their campaigns. The race is shaping up to be not just a contest of ideas, but a test of who can best capture the spirit of Manhattan’s central neighborhoods.

Schlossberg faces the challenge of proving his commitment and competence against opponents with longer records of public service. But his campaign’s emphasis on community engagement and local roots may resonate with voters fatigued by establishment politics. The coming debates, town halls, and endorsements will help clarify where each candidate stands—and who can truly represent NY-12’s complex, ever-changing identity.

Schlossberg’s campaign is a reminder that political legacies alone do not guarantee success; in New York’s 12th District, candidates must earn trust by connecting to the real, everyday experiences of their constituents. The race promises to be a revealing test of both tradition and transformation in the heart of Manhattan.