Jack Schlossberg, the only grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, has entered the race to replace retiring Democratic Representative Jerry Nadler in New York’s 12th Congressional District.
At 32, Schlossberg is seeking to extend the Kennedy family’s storied tradition of public service, marking the latest chapter in an American political dynasty that has produced candidates and elected officials for more than a century. Newsweek has compiled a list of the Kennedy’s who have run for office in the past.
Why It Matters
Schlossberg’s recent campaign announcement comes as the Democratic Party faces a possible generational change, after Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani, 34, swept the election for New York City mayor.
The race is expected to draw significant attention both for the high-profile district and the Kennedy name’s continued association with Democratic politics.
The Kennedy family is one of the most famous political dynasties in U.S. history, responsible for landmark moments in American politics.
Schlossberg’s entrance into the race fuels ongoing debate about dynastic power in American democracy and the role of legacy candidates as the electorate faces social, economic and constitutional challenges.
What To Know
Jack Schlossberg, son of Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg, is launching his first bid for public office in New York’s 12th Congressional District, following Nadler’s decision not to seek re-election.
A Harvard graduate, Schlossberg has cultivated an active public persona on social media, amassing a significant following while frequently commenting on national issues and voicing opposition to the Trump administration.
In his campaign announcement, Schlossberg addressed what he described as a crisis facing the United States at “every level.”
Schlossberg has previously spoken out against his cousin, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as have his mother and other members of the Kennedy family, especially in connection with the Trump official’s views on vaccines.
List of Kennedys Who Have Run for Office
Newsweek has compiled this list based on searches through the National Park Service, the the official Massachusetts government website, the Official Maryland biography, the History, Art & Archives site, the Biography Directory of the U.S. Congress, the Connecticut Secretary of the State results archive, the Maryland State Board of Elections, the Illinois State Board of Elections and the official candidate record.
- John F. “Honey Fitz” Fitzgerald — Massachusetts State Senate (1892–94); U.S. House (1895–1901, 1919); Mayor of Boston (1906–08, 1910–14).
- P. J. Kennedy — Massachusetts House and Massachusetts Senate (1880s–1890s).
- John F. Kennedy — U.S. House (1947–53); U.S. Senate (1953–60); President of the United States (1961–63).
- Robert F. Kennedy — U.S. Senate, New York (1965–68); 1968 presidential candidate.
- Edward “Ted” M. Kennedy — U.S. Senate, Massachusetts (1962–2009); 1980 Democratic presidential candidate.
- Kathleen Kennedy Townsend — Lieutenant Governor of Maryland (1995–2003); 2002 candidate for Governor (lost).
- Joseph P. Kennedy II — U.S. House, MA-8 (1987–99).
- Patrick J. Kennedy — Rhode Island House (1989–93); U.S. House, RI-1 (1995–2011).
- Joseph P. Kennedy III — U.S. House, MA-4 (2013–21); 2020 U.S. Senate candidate (lost Democratic primary).
- Edward M. “Ted” Kennedy Jr. — Connecticut State Senate, District 12 (won 2014; re-elected 2016).
- Christopher G. “Chris” Kennedy — 2018 Illinois Democratic primary for Governor (unsuccessful).
- Mark Kennedy Shriver — 2002 candidate for U.S. House, Maryland’s 8th District (lost Democratic primary).
- R. Sargent Shriver — 1972 Democratic nominee for Vice President (with George McGovern); also 1976 Democratic presidential primary candidate.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — 2024 presidential candidate (Independent)
- Jack Schlossberg — Announced 2026 run for U.S. House, NY-12
What People Are Saying
Jack Schlossberg said in his campaign launch video:“There is nowhere I’d rather be than in the arena fighting for my hometown. Over the next eight months, during the course of this campaign, I hope to meet as many of you as I can. If you see me on the street, please say hello. If I knock on your door, I hope we can have a conversation. Because politics should be personal.”
What Happens Next
New York’s congressional primary is scheduled for June 23, 2026.
The outcome will determine whether the Kennedy family legacy will continue in Congress with a new generation.
The full list of Kennedys who have pursued elected office underscores the enduring influence—and ongoing evolution—of the family’s role in American political life.