John F. Kennedy’s legacy is poised to reignite in the political arena as his grandson, Jack Schlossberg, sets his sights on a congressional run. Schlossberg, at 32, is preparing to enter the race for New York’s 12th Congressional District, aiming to uphold the family’s storied political dynasty.

Schlossberg, who has gained a following as a social media personality, is making strides towards officially announcing his candidacy for the open House seat. His intention to compete was signaled in September when he formed an exploratory committee, with a formal announcement expected next week, according to Politico.

Insiders have confirmed to the publication that Schlossberg’s campaign is moving forward, with one source stating, “It’s happening.” He has reportedly begun assembling a team of campaign staffers and has engaged in discussions about his candidacy with at least one current elected official.

Efforts to reach Schlossberg for comment were made by the Daily Mail, as anticipation builds around his potential entry into the political landscape.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Schlossberg for comment. 

Schlossberg rose to TikTok and Instagram fame as a liberal heartthrob by sharing hunky shirtless photos and quirky clips of himself practicing ballet, hoverboarding while reciting poetry and even opening a coconut in Hawaii with his bare hands. 

He would enter what is expected to be a crowded race to replace 78-year-old Jerrold Nadler, one of the oldest members in the Democratic caucus, who is retiring after 34 years in office.

The Democrats set to run in a district Kamala Harris beat Donald Trump in by 64 points include two members of the state assembly, a city council member and 26-year-old Rhodes Scholar Liam Elkind.

Anti-gun activist Cameron Kasky, former Trump attorney Michael Cohen and actress and former candidate for governor Cynthia Nixon are also rumored to be jumping in, while Chelsea Clinton declined a run despite rumors to the contrary. 

Social media personality and activist Jack Schlossberg looks to continue the Kennedy political dynasty as he gears up to run for Congress

Schlossberg enters what is expected to be a crowded race to replace 78-year-old Jerrold Nadler (pictured), one of the oldest members in the Democratic caucus, who is retiring after 34 years in office

The 32-year-old is a graduate of both Harvard and Yale, and has been active in progressive politics, as well as the media. Schlossberg is the son of JFK’s daughter Caroline Kennedy.

Schlossberg spoke at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, and frequently criticizes his cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who presently serves as President Donald Trump’s Health and Human Services secretary. 

His critiques are part of an active social media life, as Schlossberg has over 171,000 followers on X, 721,000 on Instagram and 835,000 on TikTok.  

He has also been appointed to the America 250 Commission by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. 

Nadler said last month of his potential successor that ‘there’s nothing particularly good or bad about a Kennedy holding my seat. 

‘But the Kennedy, unlike Schlossberg, should be somebody with a record of public service, a record of public accomplishment, and he doesn’t have one.’ 

The future of the historically safe seat for Democrats will likely be set in the Democratic primary scheduled for June 23, 2026. 

Nadler, 78, has represented New York City’s Upper West Side for over three decades, and his decision comes as the Big Apple has been steadily swinging towards younger socialist leaders such as Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani. 

Schlossberg polled his Instagram audience about kicking off a potential political campaign

The 32-year-old is a graduate of both Harvard and Yale, and has been active in progressive politics, as well as the media. Schlossberg is the son of JFK’s daughter Caroline Kennedy 

In an interview with The New York Times, Nadler cited the spectacle made of former President Joe Biden’s cognitive decline as a key reason for his decision to announce his departure from Congress.

Biden’s disastrous performance in last year’s presidential debate escalated the scrutiny of the age and health of top leaders in the Democrat party.

‘Watching the Biden thing really said something about the necessity for generational change in the party, and I think I want to respect that,’ Nadler noted to the New York Times. 

He added that a younger successor ‘can maybe do better, can maybe help us more.’ 

‘This decision has not been easy. But I know in my heart it is the right one and that it is the right time to pass the torch to a new generation,’ Nadler noted in a statement issued by his office Tuesday announcing the end of his political career.

Schlossberg is the son of Caroline Kennedy, the only daughter of Jackie Kennedy Onassis and JFK – who was five years old when her father was assassinated in 1963.

He has long shown an interest in politics, mingling with top officials at a young age alongside his famous mom and delivering numerous politically-driven speeches over the years.

He gained attention in June 2023 when he went on a harsh rant against RFK Jr. after the now-Health Secretary announced he was running for president.