Pelosi Backs JFK Grandson in Crowded New York Primary

NEW YORK (Azat TV) – Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is set to endorse Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of President John F. Kennedy, in his bid for a competitive House seat in New York City, a move that injects significant national attention into an already crowded Democratic primary ahead of June. The endorsement by one of the Democratic Party’s most influential figures signals a high-stakes contest for the 12th Congressional District of New York.

Schlossberg, 33, announced his candidacy in November 2025 for the Manhattan-based seat currently held by long-serving Democratic Representative Jerry Nadler, who is retiring. Pelosi’s planned backing was initially reported by The New York Times and later confirmed by a source familiar with the matter to NBC News, underscoring the strategic importance of the race.

Schlossberg’s Candidacy and the 12th District Race

Jack Schlossberg enters the political arena as an online political commentator, having garnered a notable following for his candid and often freewheeling style. He is also a cousin to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom he has publicly criticized. His campaign for the 12th Congressional District aims to harness the ‘creativity, energy, and drive’ of Manhattan, a district that encompasses the geographical heart of the borough, including Central Park, and is known as a global financial and media capital.

In his announcement, Schlossberg emphasized the district’s prominence, stating, “We have the best hospitals and schools, restaurants and museums. This is the financial and media capital of the world. This district should have a representative who can harness the creativity, energy and drive of this district and translate that into political power in Washington.” His candidacy draws both on his family’s storied political legacy and his own modern public persona.

Nancy Pelosi’s Continued Influence

The decision by Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat from California, to endorse Schlossberg highlights her enduring influence within the party. Even after stepping down from leadership, Pelosi remains a formidable force, and her endorsements are highly sought after, often providing a significant boost in fundraising and visibility. Her support for Schlossberg is particularly notable given the competitive nature of the primary and the presence of other established Democratic figures.

Rep. Jerry Nadler, a longtime ally of Pelosi’s, has not yet made a formal endorsement in the race to succeed him. Pelosi’s early backing of Schlossberg could be interpreted as a strategic move to shape the outcome of a key urban primary, signaling her continued role as a kingmaker in Democratic politics.

The Contested Democratic Primary

Schlossberg is poised to compete in a crowded Democratic primary scheduled for June. The field includes several prominent candidates, such as state Assembly member Micah Lasher, who served as a former aide and mentee to Rep. Nadler and has secured endorsements from a host of influential Manhattan Democrats. Additionally, George Conway, a conservative lawyer and vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, is also running for the seat as a Democrat.

The diverse and competitive primary field means that Pelosi’s endorsement, while powerful, will be just one factor in a race likely to be decided by local issues, grassroots organizing, and candidate appeal. The race for the 12th Congressional District is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched House primaries in the nation, reflecting broader trends within the Democratic Party and the ongoing generational shift in leadership.

Pelosi’s endorsement of Jack Schlossberg underscores her strategic alignment with emerging political figures, particularly those with established family legacies, demonstrating her continued influence in shaping the Democratic Party’s future and highlighting the lasting power of political dynasties in American electoral politics.