Nancy Pelosi to Endorse JFK's Grandson Jack Schlossberg for Congress
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is expected to formally endorse Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of President John F. Kennedy, on Sunday in his campaign for the Democratic nomination for a New York City House seat, according to three individuals familiar with her plans who spoke to The New York Times. The endorsement, which has not yet been publicly announced, marks a significant development in the race for New York's 12th Congressional District, an affluent Manhattan constituency.
Schlossberg's Candidacy and Pelosi's Support
Schlossberg, a 33-year-old online political commentator and cousin of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is among several Democrats competing for the nomination. Pelosi, 85, who currently represents California's 11th district and plans to retire from Congress next January, said in a statement reviewed by The Times that Schlossberg's candidacy would "help Democrats win nationwide." Those who discussed the endorsement with The Times did so on condition of anonymity, and representatives for Pelosi and Schlossberg have been contacted for comment.
Schlossberg's Reaction and Political Context
In a brief interview cited by The Times, Schlossberg described Pelosi as "a hero" and said her support was "a shot of adrenaline," comparing the feeling to when she famously tore up President Donald Trump's State of the Union address during a previous term. Schlossberg entered the race in November after Representative Jerry Nadler, 78, announced plans to retire following 34 years in Congress. Nadler, a former chairman of the House Judiciary Committee who led two impeachment efforts against Trump, is expected to endorse his longtime ally Micah Lasher, a 44-year-old first-term state assemblyman.
Primary Competition and Historical Precedent
A June primary win would likely secure Schlossberg the seat in the solidly Democratic 12th District, positioning him as one of the youngest rising figures in New York politics since Trump's return to the White House. He faces competition from several Democrats, including state Assemblymember Alex Bores, journalist Jami Floyd, and attorney George Conway. Pelosi typically avoids intervening in primary races, but her support for Schlossberg echoes her past backing of another Kennedy family member, Joseph P. Kennedy III, during his 2020 Senate campaign, which he ultimately lost.
The endorsement underscores the ongoing influence of the Kennedy legacy in American politics and Pelosi's strategic efforts to bolster Democratic prospects in key races. As the primary approaches, Schlossberg's campaign is poised to gain momentum from this high-profile backing, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the New York political landscape.
