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At 33, he embodies the spirit of the Kennedy dynasty, where political ambition runs deep in the veins.
Born in New York and a Harvard alum, this candidate bears a striking resemblance to his uncle, the late John F. Kennedy Jr. JFK Jr. tragically passed away in a plane crash in 1999, his own political dreams left unfulfilled.
Observers can’t help but draw parallels between them. Schlossberg, often seen cycling through the city with a backward cap, seems to blend a seemingly ordinary life with the extraordinary legacy that surrounds him.
The similarities continue with Schlossberg taking on the role of a political correspondent for Vogue, mirroring his uncle’s venture into media with the creation of his political magazine, George, before his untimely death.
It remains to be seen whether Schlossberg’s famous lineage will serve as a stepping stone or a stumbling block in his own political journey.
When asked about his response to people complaining about “another Kennedy in office”, Schlossberg told CBS he was determined to carve out a name for himself.
“I’m proud of where I come from, but that’s not the only thing about me,” he said.
Schlossberg’s campaign approach has already disrupted the usual candidate course.
He has chosen not to run a formal campaign organisation nor has he hired a manager.
Schlossberg’s zany sense of humour has evolved his public image as he pursues a political career.
His outspoken and chaotic social media presence has attracted some criticism.
“You know, my mum always said that. She said, ‘Jack, you’re a little different than the other guys.’ And she wasn’t wrong,” Schlossberg said.
His mother Caroline Kennedy, daughter of Jackie Kennedy and JFK, officially endorsed her son’s bid to join the US House of Representatives in a rare TV interview.
“Well, I really trust Jack. I trust his judgment. I mean, some of the other people have been preparing for this for years and years, but he came to this new,” she told CBS’s Sunday Morning
“I mean, he’s the outsider in this race, actually.
“And I think, you know, people might laugh when they hear that, but it’s actually true.”
Of course, if he wins, Schlossberg would not be the only Kennedy in and around the White House.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr was appointed US Secretary of Health and Human Services under Donald Trump.
So far, Schlossberg has refused to play nice with his mum’s cousin.
He described RFK Jr as “dangerous” when discussing his position on vaccines with US breakfast show Morning Joe.
“And as ridiculous as some of the claims and entertaining that they might be — it’s all fun when you’re designing a new food pyramid. But when people are dying of measles, this is serious business,” Schlossberg said.
“People are not getting vaccinated; they rescinded the recommendation to get a Hepatitis B vaccine for newborns. Why?”
What office is Jack Schlossberg running for?
Ahead of his announcement, he told CNN he is a Democrat who represents “a new generation”.
“I’m running for Congress because the best part of the greatest city on earth needs to be heard loud and clear in Washington and deserves a representative who won’t back down,” Schlossberg writes on his campaign website.
Situated in central Manhattan, the congressional district Schlossberg is hoping to contest in is one of the safest Democratic seats in the US.
Winning the Democratic primary here is tantamount to winning the entire election.
But Schlossberg has to leapfrog 10 other announced Democrats, as well as several other big names who may still enter the race.
The 2026 US House of Representatives elections in New York will be held on November 3.
How is Jack Schlossberg related to JFK and JFK Jr.?
The Kennedy family tree has many branches, but Schlossberg is a reasonably high-profile one.
He is the only grandson of the 35th president and his wife Jackie Kennedy and the only son of Caroline Kennedy and her husband Edwin.
RFK Jr is Caroline’s cousin, meaning he is Schlossberg’s first cousin, once removed.
– Reporting with Nick Pearson
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